USDA funds sustainable agricultural systems projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) has announced a $90 million investment in research projects seeking to improve the sustainability of the U.S. food supply.

The awards will support nine projects at eight institutions addressing issues including animal, human, plant, and environmental health. This research investment is the second installment of a new program within NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s (AFRI) Sustainable Agricultural Systems program.

“In an effort to help American farmers produce nutritious, high-quality products in a way that conserves natural resources and protects the environment, these projects will provide needed research to overcome critical barriers facing the industry,” said NIFA Director Scott Angle. “Investments in research that promotes sustainable systems will result in long-term improvements in agricultural practices that will benefit consumers, farmers, and the environment.”

Projects selected for funding range from improved practices in poultry production and food safety, to efficient water use, nutrient management, and improvements in the value chain of biofuel production.

The eight institutions receiving awards are as follows:

• Iowa State University: $10 million
• University of California, Riverside: $10 million
• University of Connecticut: $10 million
• University of Idaho: $10 million
• University of Maryland: $10 million
• University of Minnesota, St. Paul: $10 million
• West Virginia University: $10 million
• Michigan State University: $9.8 million