Catalyzing transdisciplinary research for sustainable agriculture
By Farms.com
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) have joined forces to launch a global challenge aimed at agricultural solutions.
The "Nourishing Next Generation Agrifood Breakthroughs" Innovation Challenge is set to empower early-career scientists to tackle critical issues such as nutrition security, climate change impacts, and equity in underserved communities.
Led by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, this competitive initiative seeks to fund transdisciplinary teams of recent Ph.D. recipients, emphasizing the necessity of investing in innovative approaches to strengthen food systems and address societal challenges.
Announced during the Harvesting Hope - USDA's Agrifood Innovation Symposium, the Innovation Challenge invites applicants to propose visionary projects aligned with USDA's Science & Research Strategy and FFAR's Research Strategy.
By encouraging collaboration and disruptive innovation, the challenge aims to address the interconnected challenges facing agriculture today.
FFAR Executive Director Dr. Saharah Moon Chapotin underscores the opportunity for early-career scientists to spearhead bold research initiatives with the potential for significant breakthroughs in food and agriculture.
The $2 million funding pool will support multiple teams in realizing their vision for sustainable food production, promoting human health, and reducing disparities in nutrition security.
Applications for the Innovation Challenge are open until July 29, 2024. Eligible researchers from diverse institutions and organizations are encouraged to apply, with comprehensive information available on the USDA/FFAR Innovation Challenge page.
Through this collaborative effort, USDA and FFAR are driving a transformative approach to address the urgent challenges facing global agriculture.