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Triggered at line # 2549 FeedWordPress version: 0.993 WordPress version: 2.5 PHP version: 4.4.7 SyndicatedPost (_wp_id problem): array(2) { [0]=> array(17) { ["post_title"]=> string(63) "USDA Joins National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research" ["post_content"]=> string(4619) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. \"As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic,\" Vilsack said. \"USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama\'s vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans.\" Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama\'s Let\'s Move! campaign. The Let\'s Move! campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. Learn more about this initiative by visiting <a title=\"Link opens in new window\" onclick=\"openExternalWindow(\'http://www.LetsMove.gov\'); return false;\" href=\"http://www.letsmove.gov/\" >www.LetsMove.gov</a>. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: <ul> <li>The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. </li> <li>The Agricultural Research Service\'s (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children\'s nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. ARS also compiles the \"gold-standard\" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States.</li> <li>The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the \"Household Food Security in the United State, 2008\" report. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices.</li> <li><a title=\"Link opens in new window\" onclick=\"openExternalWindow(\'http://www.Nutrition.gov\'); return false;\" href=\"http://www.nutrition.gov/\" >www.Nutrition.gov</a></li></ul>   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations\' strengths. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation\'s research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. For more information about NCCOR, please visit <a title=\"Link opens in new window\" onclick=\"openExternalWindow(\'http://www.nccor.org\'); return false;\" href=\"http://www.nccor.org/\" >www.nccor.org</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " ["post_excerpt"]=> string(4679) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. \"As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic,\" Vilsack said. \"USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama\'s vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans.\" Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama\'s Let\'s Move! campaign. The Let\'s Move! campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. Learn more about this initiative by visiting <a title=\"Link opens in new window\" onclick=\"openExternalWindow(\'http://www.LetsMove.gov\'); return false;\" href=\"http://www.letsmove.gov/\" target=\"extWindow\">www.LetsMove.gov</a>. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: <ul> <li>The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. </li> <li>The Agricultural Research Service\'s (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children\'s nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. ARS also compiles the \"gold-standard\" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States.</li> <li>The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the \"Household Food Security in the United State, 2008\" report. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices.</li> <li><a title=\"Link opens in new window\" onclick=\"openExternalWindow(\'http://www.Nutrition.gov\'); return false;\" href=\"http://www.nutrition.gov/\" target=\"extWindow\">www.Nutrition.gov</a></li></ul>   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations\' strengths. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation\'s research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. For more information about NCCOR, please visit <a title=\"Link opens in new window\" onclick=\"openExternalWindow(\'http://www.nccor.org\'); return false;\" href=\"http://www.nccor.org/\" target=\"extWindow\">www.nccor.org</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " ["epoch"]=> array(3) { ["issued"]=> int(1267131358) ["created"]=> NULL ["modified"]=> int(1267131358) } ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2010-02-25 14:55:58" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2010-02-25 14:55:58" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2010-02-25 20:55:58" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2010-02-25 20:55:58" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["guid"]=> string(58) "tag:www.csrees.usda.gov://11d041708fea635f44480d3057dee3e4" ["meta"]=> array(3) { ["syndication_feed"]=> string(39) "http://www.csrees.usda.gov/rss/news.xml" ["syndication_feed_id"]=> string(1) "8" ["syndication_permalink"]=> string(64) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/02252_nccor.html" } ["tags_input"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(4) "usda" } ["post_author"]=> string(1) "8" ["post_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> int(7) } ["post_pingback"]=> bool(false) } [1]=> object(syndicatedpost)(9) { ["item"]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(63) "USDA Joins National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research" ["link"]=> string(64) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/02252_nccor.html" ["description"]=> string(4615) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. "As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic," Vilsack said. "USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama's vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans." Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign. The Let's Move! campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. Learn more about this initiative by visiting <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.LetsMove.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.letsmove.gov/" target="extWindow">www.LetsMove.gov</a>. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: <ul> <li>The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. </li> <li>The Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children's nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. ARS also compiles the "gold-standard" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States.</li> <li>The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the "Household Food Security in the United State, 2008" report. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices.</li> <li><a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.Nutrition.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.nutrition.gov/" target="extWindow">www.Nutrition.gov</a></li></ul>   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations' strengths. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation's research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. For more information about NCCOR, please visit <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.nccor.org'); return false;" href="http://www.nccor.org/" target="extWindow">www.nccor.org</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:55:58 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(4615) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. "As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic," Vilsack said. "USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama's vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans." Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign. The Let's Move! campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. Learn more about this initiative by visiting <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.LetsMove.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.letsmove.gov/" target="extWindow">www.LetsMove.gov</a>. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: <ul> <li>The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. </li> <li>The Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children's nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. ARS also compiles the "gold-standard" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States.</li> <li>The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the "Household Food Security in the United State, 2008" report. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices.</li> <li><a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.Nutrition.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.nutrition.gov/" target="extWindow">www.Nutrition.gov</a></li></ul>   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations' strengths. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation's research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. For more information about NCCOR, please visit <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.nccor.org'); return false;" href="http://www.nccor.org/" target="extWindow">www.nccor.org</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). 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The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. "As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic," Vilsack said. "USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama's vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans." Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign. The Let's Move! campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. Learn more about this initiative by visiting <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.LetsMove.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.letsmove.gov/" target="extWindow">www.LetsMove.gov</a>. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: <ul> <li>The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. </li> <li>The Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children's nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. ARS also compiles the "gold-standard" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States.</li> <li>The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the "Household Food Security in the United State, 2008" report. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices.</li> <li><a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.Nutrition.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.nutrition.gov/" target="extWindow">www.Nutrition.gov</a></li></ul>   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations' strengths. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation's research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. For more information about NCCOR, please visit <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.nccor.org'); return false;" href="http://www.nccor.org/" target="extWindow">www.nccor.org</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:55:58 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(4615) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. "As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic," Vilsack said. "USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama's vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans." Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign. The Let's Move! campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. Learn more about this initiative by visiting <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.LetsMove.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.letsmove.gov/" target="extWindow">www.LetsMove.gov</a>. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: <ul> <li>The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. </li> <li>The Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children's nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. ARS also compiles the "gold-standard" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States.</li> <li>The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the "Household Food Security in the United State, 2008" report. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices.</li> <li><a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.Nutrition.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.nutrition.gov/" target="extWindow">www.Nutrition.gov</a></li></ul>   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations' strengths. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation's research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. For more information about NCCOR, please visit <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.nccor.org'); return false;" href="http://www.nccor.org/" target="extWindow">www.nccor.org</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " } [1]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(70) "USDA Working to Develop More Nutritious Humanitarian Food Aid Packages" ["link"]=> string(64) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/02251_fanep.html" ["description"]=> string(3778) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 – Roger Beachy, director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced a new grant program to develop healthier food products for humanitarian assistance programs. “Millions of people around the world depend on food aid delivered by the United States for their survival every day,” Beachy said.  “It is our responsibility to make sure that in emergency situations, these people are receiving food that supplies them with the nutrients they need.”             NIFA’s Food Aid Nutritional Education Program (FANEP) supports the development and field testing of new ready-to-use foods, fortified blended foods, high-energy foods, micronutrient powders or other food products designed to improve the nutritional delivery and functional form of humanitarian food assistance.  Projects funded by FANEP may also field test existing food products that have not yet been approved for use in food aid programs. NIFA expects to release the request for applications for the program next month with a 60-day open period.  Approximately $3.8 million in grants will be awarded in Fiscal Year 2010 on a competitive basis.  Eligible applicants include state agricultural experiment stations and cooperative extension services, all colleges and universities, other research or education institutions and organizations, federal and private agencies and organizations and individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.  Foreign entities are not eligible to apply; however, award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary to conduct the project. NIFA does not require cost-sharing or matching support for FANEP projects.  However, priority will be given to applications that demonstrate active partnership with and in-kind support from the private sector. FANEP is administered through Section 724 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriation Act (Public Law 111-80), which specified for a grant program to enhance the health of individuals, especially infants and young children, at risk for or suffering from malnutrition by further improving the nutritional content, product composition, packaging and other components of food products delivered through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program and the Food for Peace Title II humanitarian assistance programs. Before applying, applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process, which can take as long as two weeks for new applicants. More info is at the <a href="http://www.grants.gov/">Grants.gov</a> Web site. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:07:26 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(3778) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 – Roger Beachy, director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced a new grant program to develop healthier food products for humanitarian assistance programs. “Millions of people around the world depend on food aid delivered by the United States for their survival every day,” Beachy said.  “It is our responsibility to make sure that in emergency situations, these people are receiving food that supplies them with the nutrients they need.”             NIFA’s Food Aid Nutritional Education Program (FANEP) supports the development and field testing of new ready-to-use foods, fortified blended foods, high-energy foods, micronutrient powders or other food products designed to improve the nutritional delivery and functional form of humanitarian food assistance.  Projects funded by FANEP may also field test existing food products that have not yet been approved for use in food aid programs. NIFA expects to release the request for applications for the program next month with a 60-day open period.  Approximately $3.8 million in grants will be awarded in Fiscal Year 2010 on a competitive basis.  Eligible applicants include state agricultural experiment stations and cooperative extension services, all colleges and universities, other research or education institutions and organizations, federal and private agencies and organizations and individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.  Foreign entities are not eligible to apply; however, award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary to conduct the project. NIFA does not require cost-sharing or matching support for FANEP projects.  However, priority will be given to applications that demonstrate active partnership with and in-kind support from the private sector. FANEP is administered through Section 724 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriation Act (Public Law 111-80), which specified for a grant program to enhance the health of individuals, especially infants and young children, at risk for or suffering from malnutrition by further improving the nutritional content, product composition, packaging and other components of food products delivered through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program and the Food for Peace Title II humanitarian assistance programs. Before applying, applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process, which can take as long as two weeks for new applicants. More info is at the <a href="http://www.grants.gov/">Grants.gov</a> Web site. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " } [2]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(91) "NIFA Announces Grants to Help Train and Educate the Next Generation of Farmers and Ranchers" ["link"]=> string(70) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/02171_beg_farmers.html" ["description"]=> string(3970) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON – Feb. 17, 2010 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of more than $18 million in grants to help train, educate and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP).   "Beginning farmers and ranchers are critical to creating rural prosperity in the United States, but they face unique challenges and require education and assistance to ensure their profitability and sustainability,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director. “These grants will provide training the America’s next generation of farmers and ranchers need to succeed.” BFRDP is an education, training, technical assistance and outreach program designed to help U.S. farmers and ranchers -specifically those who have been farming or ranching for 10 years or less.  NIFA will make grants available to organizations to design programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers.  Project results are expected to be disseminated widely to all farmers.  Proposals are due April 6, and applications are available on the <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/beginningfarmerandrancher.cfm">NIFA Web site</a>. This is the second year of the program, established by the Section 7410 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.  The Act also makes $19 million available in fiscal years 2011 and 2012.  In FY 2009, BFRDP made 29 awards for approximately $17 million. Priority will be given to projects that are partnerships and collaborations led by or including nongovernmental and community-based organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer training and outreach.  All applicants are required to provide funds or in-kind support from non-federal sources in an amount that is at least equal to twenty-five percent of the federal funds requested.   In fiscal year 2010, only standard projects and a few educational enhancement teams will be funded.  All projects will be limited to three years. Budget requests in the proposals must not exceed $250,000 per year.  For standard projects, NIFA is looking for proposals in these areas: <ul> <li>Mentoring, apprenticeships and internships</li> <li>Resources and referrals</li> <li>Assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers</li> <li>Innovative farm and ranch transfer strategies</li> <li>Entrepreneurship and business training</li> <li>Model land leasing contracts</li> <li>Financial management training</li> <li>Whole farm planning</li> <li>Conservation assistance</li> <li>Risk management education</li> <li>Diversification and marketing strategies</li> <li>Curriculum development</li> <li>Understanding the impact of concentration and globalization</li> <li>Basic livestock and crop farming practices</li> <li>Acquisition and management of agricultural credit</li> <li>Environmental compliance</li> <li>Information processing</li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future.  More information is at: <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:25:33 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(3970) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON – Feb. 17, 2010 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of more than $18 million in grants to help train, educate and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP).   "Beginning farmers and ranchers are critical to creating rural prosperity in the United States, but they face unique challenges and require education and assistance to ensure their profitability and sustainability,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director. “These grants will provide training the America’s next generation of farmers and ranchers need to succeed.” BFRDP is an education, training, technical assistance and outreach program designed to help U.S. farmers and ranchers -specifically those who have been farming or ranching for 10 years or less.  NIFA will make grants available to organizations to design programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers.  Project results are expected to be disseminated widely to all farmers.  Proposals are due April 6, and applications are available on the <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/beginningfarmerandrancher.cfm">NIFA Web site</a>. This is the second year of the program, established by the Section 7410 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.  The Act also makes $19 million available in fiscal years 2011 and 2012.  In FY 2009, BFRDP made 29 awards for approximately $17 million. Priority will be given to projects that are partnerships and collaborations led by or including nongovernmental and community-based organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer training and outreach.  All applicants are required to provide funds or in-kind support from non-federal sources in an amount that is at least equal to twenty-five percent of the federal funds requested.   In fiscal year 2010, only standard projects and a few educational enhancement teams will be funded.  All projects will be limited to three years. Budget requests in the proposals must not exceed $250,000 per year.  For standard projects, NIFA is looking for proposals in these areas: <ul> <li>Mentoring, apprenticeships and internships</li> <li>Resources and referrals</li> <li>Assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers</li> <li>Innovative farm and ranch transfer strategies</li> <li>Entrepreneurship and business training</li> <li>Model land leasing contracts</li> <li>Financial management training</li> <li>Whole farm planning</li> <li>Conservation assistance</li> <li>Risk management education</li> <li>Diversification and marketing strategies</li> <li>Curriculum development</li> <li>Understanding the impact of concentration and globalization</li> <li>Basic livestock and crop farming practices</li> <li>Acquisition and management of agricultural credit</li> <li>Environmental compliance</li> <li>Information processing</li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future.  More information is at: <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " } [3]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(73) "USDA Addresses Veterinary Shortages with Education Loan Repayment Program" ["link"]=> string(65) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/02121_vetmed.html" ["description"]=> string(4105) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA had taken the first step toward implementing a plan to address veterinary shortages throughout rural America by repaying the student loans of qualified veterinarians in return for their services in areas suffering from a lack of veterinarians. “USDA can help ensure there is a first line of defense against animal diseases across the United States by placing qualified veterinarians in areas where there is a critical need,” Vilsack said.  “This program will help reduce veterinary shortages, especially in the area of food animal medicine, which will reduce stress on producers and improve the health of the livestock industry.” USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), which was established in the National Veterinary Medical Services Act of 2003.  NIFA issued an interim rule for the program on July 9, 2009.  Implementation of the program began on Jan. 22, 2010 when NIFA released a Federal Register notice asking for comments and nominations for shortage situations from the chief animal health official from each state and insular area and appropriate federal animal health officials.  Guidance on what constitutes a shortage situation and nomination forms can be found on the <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/vmlrp">NIFA Web site</a>.  Nomination forms are due March 8, and can be returned via email to <a href="mailto:vmlrp@nifa.usda.gov">vmlrp@nifa.usda.gov</a>. NIFA will convene a panel of federal and state animal health experts to recommend submitted nomination packages for official designation as a veterinary shortage situation.  The public will be able to review designated veterinary shortage situations in list and/or map form, along with information describing the nature of the shortage situation.  NIFA expects to begin accepting applications from veterinarians wishing to participate in the program on April 30, 2010.  In return for a commitment of three years of veterinary services in a designated veterinary shortage area, NIFA may repay up to $25,000 of student loan debt per year.  Loan repayment benefits are limited to payments of the principal and interest on government and commercial loans received for the attendance at an accredited college of veterinary medicine resulting in a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or the equivalent.  NIFA projects applications will be due June 30, and that offers will be made by September 30. Veterinarians are critical to the national food safety and food security infrastructures, and to the health and well-being of both animals and humans; however, major studies indicate significant and growing shortages of food supply veterinarians and veterinarians serving in certain other high priority specialty areas.  A leading cause for this shortage is the heavy cost of four years of professional veterinary medical training, which can average between $130,000 and $140,000. Congress established the VMLRP as a way to remedy this growing need. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:03:45 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(4105) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA had taken the first step toward implementing a plan to address veterinary shortages throughout rural America by repaying the student loans of qualified veterinarians in return for their services in areas suffering from a lack of veterinarians. “USDA can help ensure there is a first line of defense against animal diseases across the United States by placing qualified veterinarians in areas where there is a critical need,” Vilsack said.  “This program will help reduce veterinary shortages, especially in the area of food animal medicine, which will reduce stress on producers and improve the health of the livestock industry.” USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), which was established in the National Veterinary Medical Services Act of 2003.  NIFA issued an interim rule for the program on July 9, 2009.  Implementation of the program began on Jan. 22, 2010 when NIFA released a Federal Register notice asking for comments and nominations for shortage situations from the chief animal health official from each state and insular area and appropriate federal animal health officials.  Guidance on what constitutes a shortage situation and nomination forms can be found on the <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/vmlrp">NIFA Web site</a>.  Nomination forms are due March 8, and can be returned via email to <a href="mailto:vmlrp@nifa.usda.gov">vmlrp@nifa.usda.gov</a>. NIFA will convene a panel of federal and state animal health experts to recommend submitted nomination packages for official designation as a veterinary shortage situation.  The public will be able to review designated veterinary shortage situations in list and/or map form, along with information describing the nature of the shortage situation.  NIFA expects to begin accepting applications from veterinarians wishing to participate in the program on April 30, 2010.  In return for a commitment of three years of veterinary services in a designated veterinary shortage area, NIFA may repay up to $25,000 of student loan debt per year.  Loan repayment benefits are limited to payments of the principal and interest on government and commercial loans received for the attendance at an accredited college of veterinary medicine resulting in a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or the equivalent.  NIFA projects applications will be due June 30, and that offers will be made by September 30. Veterinarians are critical to the national food safety and food security infrastructures, and to the health and well-being of both animals and humans; however, major studies indicate significant and growing shortages of food supply veterinarians and veterinarians serving in certain other high priority specialty areas.  A leading cause for this shortage is the heavy cost of four years of professional veterinary medical training, which can average between $130,000 and $140,000. Congress established the VMLRP as a way to remedy this growing need. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } [4]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(61) "NIFA Awards Funding for Animal Health and Production Research" ["link"]=> string(70) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/02021_afri_animal.html" ["description"]=> string(7645) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2010 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $24 million in grants to study animal heath, reproduction, breeding, genetics and nutrition. The agriculture animal industry plays a crucial role in the success and growth of the nation’s economy, accounting for 42 percent of forecast U.S. agricultural receipts in 2009. “The agriculture animal industry faces increasing challenges from animal diseases, reduced fertility, low nutrition and growth and non-tariff trade barriers,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director.  “These grants will help the United States maintain a strong, internationally-competitive animal agriculture industry and lead to safer and more affordable animal products.” NIFA awarded these grants through four program areas of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI): Animal Reproduction Program; Animal Genome, Genetics, and Breeding Program; Animal Growth and Nutrient Utilization Program; and Integrated Solutions for Animal Agriculture Program.  AFRI funds research, education, and extension grants and integrated research, extension, and education grants that address key problems of national, regional and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of agriculture. Animal programs at NIFA address several critical issues, including children’s health, food safety, international food security, and environmental protection.  They help reduce childhood obesity and improving human nutrition by providing higher quality sources of animal protein with reduced fat contents while making efforts to reduce the dependency of the feeding and use of antibiotics and hormones to domestic animals. The programs also work to ensure a safer food supply by targeting the reduction in pre-harvest food borne pathogens. Furthermore, they contribute significantly to international food security by supporting research to reduce the incidence of diseases in animals and improving the production efficiency of agriculturally important animals. Finally, these programs play a critical role in global climate change and environmental stewardship by promoting the reduction of green house gases emissions, the release of nitrogen and phosphorus into the environment through improved systems of livestock management and more efficient use of nutrients fed to animals. Fiscal Year 2009 grants were awarded to: Animal Reproduction Program <ul> <li>Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colo., $125,000 </li> <li>Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colo., $340,000 </li> <li>Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colo., $349,082</li> <li>University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $349,260 </li> <li>Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind., $315,000 </li> <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $349,782 </li> <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $10,000</li> <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $28,633 </li> <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $320,000 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $325,000 </li> <li>University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn., $349,503 </li> <li>University of Texas, Austin, Texas, $325,000 </li> <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $338,086 </li> <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $349,287 </li> <li>University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, Texas, $124,610 </li> <li>West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $337,835</li> <li>West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $330,000 </li> <li>University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo., $25,000 </li></ul>   Animal Genome, Genetics, and Breeding Program <ul> <li>Auburn University, Auburn, Ala.,   $800,000 </li> <li>Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., $970,000 </li> <li>University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., $388,343 </li> <li>University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill., $10,000 </li> <li>Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, $449,939 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $341,755 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $625,000 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $749,975 </li> <li>University of Maryland, College Park, Md., $681,145 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, East Lansing, Mich.,  $625,000 </li> <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $443,491 </li> <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $689,921 </li> <li>University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., $10,000</li> <li>University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., $130,000 </li> <li>North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., $749,502 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $450,000 </li> <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $597,902 </li> <li>Utah State University, Logan, Utah, $930,000 </li> <li>Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University,</li> <li>Blacksburg, Va., $908,280 </li> <li>University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc., $449,747 </li></ul>   Animal Growth and Nutrient Utilization Program <ul> <li>Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., $348,836 </li> <li>University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., $349,326 </li> <li>California State University, Fresno, Calif., $349,560 </li> <li>University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Fla., $350,000 </li> <li>University of Idaho, Moscow, Id., $137,829 </li> <li>Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, $349,421 </li> <li>University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky., $149,707 </li> <li>Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $349,983 </li> <li>Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $350,000 </li> <li>Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla., $125,000 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $349,476 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $349,992 </li> <li>South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D., $319,883 </li> <li>Utah State University, Logan, Utah, $260,987 </li> <li>West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $350,000 </li> <li>University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo., $10,000 </li></ul>   Integrated Solutions for Animal Agriculture Program <ul> <li>University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $1,000,000</li> <li>University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill., $900,000 </li> <li>University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt., $470,894</li> <li>Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., $629,106 </li> <li>University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc., $1,000,000 </li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation’s future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:16:14 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(7645) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2010 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $24 million in grants to study animal heath, reproduction, breeding, genetics and nutrition. The agriculture animal industry plays a crucial role in the success and growth of the nation’s economy, accounting for 42 percent of forecast U.S. agricultural receipts in 2009. “The agriculture animal industry faces increasing challenges from animal diseases, reduced fertility, low nutrition and growth and non-tariff trade barriers,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director.  “These grants will help the United States maintain a strong, internationally-competitive animal agriculture industry and lead to safer and more affordable animal products.” NIFA awarded these grants through four program areas of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI): Animal Reproduction Program; Animal Genome, Genetics, and Breeding Program; Animal Growth and Nutrient Utilization Program; and Integrated Solutions for Animal Agriculture Program.  AFRI funds research, education, and extension grants and integrated research, extension, and education grants that address key problems of national, regional and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of agriculture. Animal programs at NIFA address several critical issues, including children’s health, food safety, international food security, and environmental protection.  They help reduce childhood obesity and improving human nutrition by providing higher quality sources of animal protein with reduced fat contents while making efforts to reduce the dependency of the feeding and use of antibiotics and hormones to domestic animals. The programs also work to ensure a safer food supply by targeting the reduction in pre-harvest food borne pathogens. Furthermore, they contribute significantly to international food security by supporting research to reduce the incidence of diseases in animals and improving the production efficiency of agriculturally important animals. Finally, these programs play a critical role in global climate change and environmental stewardship by promoting the reduction of green house gases emissions, the release of nitrogen and phosphorus into the environment through improved systems of livestock management and more efficient use of nutrients fed to animals. Fiscal Year 2009 grants were awarded to: Animal Reproduction Program <ul> <li>Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colo., $125,000 </li> <li>Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colo., $340,000 </li> <li>Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colo., $349,082</li> <li>University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $349,260 </li> <li>Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind., $315,000 </li> <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $349,782 </li> <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $10,000</li> <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $28,633 </li> <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $320,000 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $325,000 </li> <li>University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn., $349,503 </li> <li>University of Texas, Austin, Texas, $325,000 </li> <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $338,086 </li> <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $349,287 </li> <li>University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, Texas, $124,610 </li> <li>West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $337,835</li> <li>West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $330,000 </li> <li>University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo., $25,000 </li></ul>   Animal Genome, Genetics, and Breeding Program <ul> <li>Auburn University, Auburn, Ala.,   $800,000 </li> <li>Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., $970,000 </li> <li>University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., $388,343 </li> <li>University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill., $10,000 </li> <li>Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, $449,939 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $341,755 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $625,000 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $749,975 </li> <li>University of Maryland, College Park, Md., $681,145 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, East Lansing, Mich.,  $625,000 </li> <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $443,491 </li> <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $689,921 </li> <li>University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., $10,000</li> <li>University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., $130,000 </li> <li>North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., $749,502 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $450,000 </li> <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $597,902 </li> <li>Utah State University, Logan, Utah, $930,000 </li> <li>Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University,</li> <li>Blacksburg, Va., $908,280 </li> <li>University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc., $449,747 </li></ul>   Animal Growth and Nutrient Utilization Program <ul> <li>Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., $348,836 </li> <li>University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., $349,326 </li> <li>California State University, Fresno, Calif., $349,560 </li> <li>University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Fla., $350,000 </li> <li>University of Idaho, Moscow, Id., $137,829 </li> <li>Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, $349,421 </li> <li>University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky., $149,707 </li> <li>Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $349,983 </li> <li>Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $350,000 </li> <li>Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla., $125,000 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $349,476 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $349,992 </li> <li>South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D., $319,883 </li> <li>Utah State University, Logan, Utah, $260,987 </li> <li>West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $350,000 </li> <li>University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo., $10,000 </li></ul>   Integrated Solutions for Animal Agriculture Program <ul> <li>University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $1,000,000</li> <li>University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill., $900,000 </li> <li>University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt., $470,894</li> <li>Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., $629,106 </li> <li>University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc., $1,000,000 </li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation’s future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } [5]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(79) "USDA Awards More Than $4 Million in Weedy and Invasive Speicies Research Grants" ["link"]=> string(75) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/01212_invasive_species.html" ["description"]=> string(3677) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 DAVIS, Calif. Jan. 21, 2010 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced today that USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is awarding $4.6 million to 13 universities for research to develop ecologically and economically rational strategies for management, control or elimination of weedy or invasive species. Of the amount, Merrigan said that nearly $500,000 is for a University of California, Davis Laboratory. "Invasive plants and animals are a major threat to food and fiber production, costing U.S. producers between $7 billion and $27 billion per year, but by doing research on controlling and managing weedy and invasive species we help protect the productivity of America's farmers and ranchers," said Merrigan. Marie Jasieniuk, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, is conducting research to develop economical and environmentally sound strategies for managing invasive weeds and prevent the spread of invasive weeds in agroecosystems that provide tree fruits and nuts as well as wine, table, and raisin grapes. The University of California, Berkeley also received a $494,000 grant for their research into ecologically-based, invasive species management programs. The awards are administered through the NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Biology of Weedy and Invasive Species in Agroecosystems competitive grants program. AFRI is the primary competitive grant program to provide funding for fundamental and applied research, extension and education to address food and agricultural sciences. Funded projects include work at Cornell University to minimize negative impacts of the European cranefly in perennial grass-based agroecosystems. Researchers at the University of Alaska will test the efficiency of activated carbon on large scale soil to restore native species. Scientists at the University of Minnesota will work to mitigate impacts of the invasion of earthworms as an invasive species. The Fiscal Year 2009 grants are being awarded to: <ul> <li>Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., $494,000</li> <li>University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, $494,000</li> <li>University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, $149,911</li> <li>University of California, Berkeley, Calif., $494,000</li> <li>University of California, Davis, Calif., $495,000</li> <li>Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo., $124,962</li> <li>Idaho State University, Moscow, Idaho, $199,704</li> <li>University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn., $493,000</li> <li>University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn., $491,000</li> <li>Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $454,000</li> <li>Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $494,000</li> <li>Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $91,423</li> <li>Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore., $125,000</li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:47:10 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(3677) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 DAVIS, Calif. Jan. 21, 2010 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced today that USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is awarding $4.6 million to 13 universities for research to develop ecologically and economically rational strategies for management, control or elimination of weedy or invasive species. Of the amount, Merrigan said that nearly $500,000 is for a University of California, Davis Laboratory. "Invasive plants and animals are a major threat to food and fiber production, costing U.S. producers between $7 billion and $27 billion per year, but by doing research on controlling and managing weedy and invasive species we help protect the productivity of America's farmers and ranchers," said Merrigan. Marie Jasieniuk, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, is conducting research to develop economical and environmentally sound strategies for managing invasive weeds and prevent the spread of invasive weeds in agroecosystems that provide tree fruits and nuts as well as wine, table, and raisin grapes. The University of California, Berkeley also received a $494,000 grant for their research into ecologically-based, invasive species management programs. The awards are administered through the NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Biology of Weedy and Invasive Species in Agroecosystems competitive grants program. AFRI is the primary competitive grant program to provide funding for fundamental and applied research, extension and education to address food and agricultural sciences. Funded projects include work at Cornell University to minimize negative impacts of the European cranefly in perennial grass-based agroecosystems. Researchers at the University of Alaska will test the efficiency of activated carbon on large scale soil to restore native species. Scientists at the University of Minnesota will work to mitigate impacts of the invasion of earthworms as an invasive species. The Fiscal Year 2009 grants are being awarded to: <ul> <li>Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., $494,000</li> <li>University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, $494,000</li> <li>University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, $149,911</li> <li>University of California, Berkeley, Calif., $494,000</li> <li>University of California, Davis, Calif., $495,000</li> <li>Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo., $124,962</li> <li>Idaho State University, Moscow, Idaho, $199,704</li> <li>University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn., $493,000</li> <li>University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn., $491,000</li> <li>Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $454,000</li> <li>Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $494,000</li> <li>Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $91,423</li> <li>Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore., $125,000</li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } [6]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(90) "Michigan 4-H Program of Distinction Celebrates National Mentoring Month at the White House" ["link"]=> string(71) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/01211_4h_mentoring.html" ["description"]=> string(4381) "Jan. 20, 2009 – USDA’s 4-H National Headquarters celebrated National Mentoring Month at the White House this week along with the Michigan Youth 4-H Mentoring Program, which has been designated as a 4-H Program of Distinction. Created by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR, National Mentoring Month is marking its ninth year in 2010. By focusing national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how —individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofitscan work together to increase the number of mentors, we assure brighter futures for our young people. More information can be found online at <a href="http://www.nationalmentoringmonth.org/">www.nationalmentoringmonth.org</a>. The Michigan 4-H Youth Mentoring program was selected for its broad approach to mentoring and its effective use of planned youth mentoring as a delivery vehicle for 4-H positive youth development outcomes in more than 30 counties. We’re so excited that Michigan 4-H has been invited to the White House to celebrate National Mentor Month,” said extension specialist Lisa Bottomley. “We’re thrilled to be recognized for all the hard work that the staff, volunteers and youth have been doing over the years.” Michigan State University Extension sent mentor Andrew Knight and mentee Ryan Brott, 14, and Ryan’s mother, to visit the White House. Bottomley and Ottawa County 4-H mentoring coordinator Laura Schleede will also be going to Washington, D.C.  Video from the event is available on the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/celebrating-national-mentoring-month">White House Web site.</a> Ryan Brott and Andrew Knight were matched through the Journey 4-H Youth Mentoring program nearly one year ago.  Ryan, age 14, lives in Holland, Mich., with his mother and siblings.  He is in 8th grade at Holland High School.   Andrew, age 25, lives in West Olive, Mich., and is a student at Grand Valley State University.  Ryan was referred to Journey 4-H when he was struggling in school and had made some poor choices.  He lacked a positive adult male role model.  Andrew learned about Journey 4-H when he heard a presentation in his criminal justice class. Andrew and Ryan were matched because they both have a passion for sports and the outdoors.  They have participated in a variety of program opportunities including the Outdoor Challenge, an initiative designed to expose youth to positive outdoor activities.  Since they were matched last February, Ryan has improved his grades -- he almost made the honor roll this past semester. As part of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), 4-H National Headquarters seeks to promote positive youth development, facilitate learning and engage youth in the work of the land-grant universities and USDA to enhance their quality of life.  4-H Programs of Distinction is a recognition program that highlights high quality youth development programs within Cooperative Extension occurring in communities across the United States. These programs exhibit strong program development characteristics and contribute to the field; convey new ideas, materials or innovative methods; and demonstrate changes in knowledge, behaviors, attitudes or aspirations of youth and adults.  More information is available at <a href="http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/">www.national4-hheadquarters.gov</a>. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:20:58 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(4381) "Jan. 20, 2009 – USDA’s 4-H National Headquarters celebrated National Mentoring Month at the White House this week along with the Michigan Youth 4-H Mentoring Program, which has been designated as a 4-H Program of Distinction. Created by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR, National Mentoring Month is marking its ninth year in 2010. By focusing national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how —individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofitscan work together to increase the number of mentors, we assure brighter futures for our young people. More information can be found online at <a href="http://www.nationalmentoringmonth.org/">www.nationalmentoringmonth.org</a>. The Michigan 4-H Youth Mentoring program was selected for its broad approach to mentoring and its effective use of planned youth mentoring as a delivery vehicle for 4-H positive youth development outcomes in more than 30 counties. We’re so excited that Michigan 4-H has been invited to the White House to celebrate National Mentor Month,” said extension specialist Lisa Bottomley. “We’re thrilled to be recognized for all the hard work that the staff, volunteers and youth have been doing over the years.” Michigan State University Extension sent mentor Andrew Knight and mentee Ryan Brott, 14, and Ryan’s mother, to visit the White House. Bottomley and Ottawa County 4-H mentoring coordinator Laura Schleede will also be going to Washington, D.C.  Video from the event is available on the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/celebrating-national-mentoring-month">White House Web site.</a> Ryan Brott and Andrew Knight were matched through the Journey 4-H Youth Mentoring program nearly one year ago.  Ryan, age 14, lives in Holland, Mich., with his mother and siblings.  He is in 8th grade at Holland High School.   Andrew, age 25, lives in West Olive, Mich., and is a student at Grand Valley State University.  Ryan was referred to Journey 4-H when he was struggling in school and had made some poor choices.  He lacked a positive adult male role model.  Andrew learned about Journey 4-H when he heard a presentation in his criminal justice class. Andrew and Ryan were matched because they both have a passion for sports and the outdoors.  They have participated in a variety of program opportunities including the Outdoor Challenge, an initiative designed to expose youth to positive outdoor activities.  Since they were matched last February, Ryan has improved his grades -- he almost made the honor roll this past semester. As part of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), 4-H National Headquarters seeks to promote positive youth development, facilitate learning and engage youth in the work of the land-grant universities and USDA to enhance their quality of life.  4-H Programs of Distinction is a recognition program that highlights high quality youth development programs within Cooperative Extension occurring in communities across the United States. These programs exhibit strong program development characteristics and contribute to the field; convey new ideas, materials or innovative methods; and demonstrate changes in knowledge, behaviors, attitudes or aspirations of youth and adults.  More information is available at <a href="http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/">www.national4-hheadquarters.gov</a>. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } [7]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(90) "NIFA-Nominated Scientist wins Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers" ["link"]=> string(65) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/01131_peacse.html" ["description"]=> string(2289) "WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2010 - University of Kentucky researcher David McNear received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) today for his research in soil science, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). McNear was honored for his outstanding research in improving our understanding of how pasture management impacts soil quality, productivity and sustainability of tall fescue pastures and livestock grazing operations in the Eastern United States and for teaching and outreach to both the scientific and lay communities. “By helping us understand how soil microbial communities impact larger ecosystems, greenhouse gas fluxes, and movement of nutrients and toxic substances through the soil, David’s work is generating knowledge about soil science and production agriculture critical to improving the productivity and sustainability of American agriculture,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director.  “The microbial community is one of the least-understood components of the agroecosystem, and David’s research opens a wide window on this important set of players.” PECASE nominees are selected for their innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology. Nominees show exceptional potential to shape the future through intellectual and inspired leadership. Educational activities reflect a spirit of community service to help understand the nature and implications of scientific research. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:53:55 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(2289) "WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2010 - University of Kentucky researcher David McNear received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) today for his research in soil science, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). McNear was honored for his outstanding research in improving our understanding of how pasture management impacts soil quality, productivity and sustainability of tall fescue pastures and livestock grazing operations in the Eastern United States and for teaching and outreach to both the scientific and lay communities. “By helping us understand how soil microbial communities impact larger ecosystems, greenhouse gas fluxes, and movement of nutrients and toxic substances through the soil, David’s work is generating knowledge about soil science and production agriculture critical to improving the productivity and sustainability of American agriculture,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director.  “The microbial community is one of the least-understood components of the agroecosystem, and David’s research opens a wide window on this important set of players.” PECASE nominees are selected for their innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology. Nominees show exceptional potential to shape the future through intellectual and inspired leadership. Educational activities reflect a spirit of community service to help understand the nature and implications of scientific research. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } [8]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(78) "NIFA Plans to Release Agriculture and Food Research Initiative RFA in February" ["link"]=> string(63) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/01062_afri.html" ["description"]=> string(4131) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) expects to release its request for applications (RFA) for the 2010 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) no later than mid-February 2010 and will commit up to $800 million in funding for new grants, contingent on annual appropriations in following years. AFRI is NIFA’s flagship competitive grant program and was established under section 7406 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, otherwise known as the 2008 Farm Bill.  AFRI will support work in the following priority areas: plant health and production and plant products; animal health and production and animal products; food safety, nutrition, and health; renewable energy, natural resources, and environment; agriculture systems and technology; and agriculture economics and rural communities. Programs focused on these areas will use a disciplinary-based approach to building a foundation of knowledge critical for solving current and future problems. Within these priority areas, AFRI will support interdisciplinary, multi-functionaly projects in five  “societal challenge” areas to achieve significant and measurable outcomes and achieving goals. The five goals include: <ol> <li>Keep American agriculture competitive while ending world hunger <li>Improve nutrition and end child obesity <li>Radically improve food safety for all Americans <li>Secure America’s energy future through renewable biofuels <li>Mitigate and adapt agriculture to variations in climate </li></li></li></li></li></ol> NIFA will issue a series of RFAs to address these program areas. Grants in 2010 will be larger in size with funding up to $25 million and longer in duration with five year grants awarded that are eligible for renewal upon achieving specific goals.  NIFA expects such grants will lead to greater collaboration among institutions and organizations and will integrate basic and applied research with deliberate education or extension programs. In addition, up to $5 million in funding opportunities for pre- and postdoctoral fellowship grants will be offered.  This program area will create a cadre of "NIFA Fellows" poised to become the next generation of agricultural scientists, educators and practitioners. All RFAs will be available on NIFA’s Web site and on Grants.gov.  Some program areas require letters of intent, which will be requested no sooner than three weeks after the RFA’s release.  Submission of full proposals to those program areas will be no sooner than six weeks after the letter of intent deadline, with deadline dates determined based on proposal complexity.  Applicants will be allowed a minimum of 90 days to prepare proposals for large, complex projects.  For program areas that do not require letters of intent, proposal submission deadlines will be no sooner than four weeks after the RFA’s release and will be determined with consideration of application complexity. For more information about the AFRI funding opportunity, visit the NIFA Web site at <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/afri/afri.html">http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/afri/afri.html</a>. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation’s future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:35:10 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(4131) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) expects to release its request for applications (RFA) for the 2010 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) no later than mid-February 2010 and will commit up to $800 million in funding for new grants, contingent on annual appropriations in following years. AFRI is NIFA’s flagship competitive grant program and was established under section 7406 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, otherwise known as the 2008 Farm Bill.  AFRI will support work in the following priority areas: plant health and production and plant products; animal health and production and animal products; food safety, nutrition, and health; renewable energy, natural resources, and environment; agriculture systems and technology; and agriculture economics and rural communities. Programs focused on these areas will use a disciplinary-based approach to building a foundation of knowledge critical for solving current and future problems. Within these priority areas, AFRI will support interdisciplinary, multi-functionaly projects in five  “societal challenge” areas to achieve significant and measurable outcomes and achieving goals. The five goals include: <ol> <li>Keep American agriculture competitive while ending world hunger <li>Improve nutrition and end child obesity <li>Radically improve food safety for all Americans <li>Secure America’s energy future through renewable biofuels <li>Mitigate and adapt agriculture to variations in climate </li></li></li></li></li></ol> NIFA will issue a series of RFAs to address these program areas. Grants in 2010 will be larger in size with funding up to $25 million and longer in duration with five year grants awarded that are eligible for renewal upon achieving specific goals.  NIFA expects such grants will lead to greater collaboration among institutions and organizations and will integrate basic and applied research with deliberate education or extension programs. In addition, up to $5 million in funding opportunities for pre- and postdoctoral fellowship grants will be offered.  This program area will create a cadre of "NIFA Fellows" poised to become the next generation of agricultural scientists, educators and practitioners. All RFAs will be available on NIFA’s Web site and on Grants.gov.  Some program areas require letters of intent, which will be requested no sooner than three weeks after the RFA’s release.  Submission of full proposals to those program areas will be no sooner than six weeks after the letter of intent deadline, with deadline dates determined based on proposal complexity.  Applicants will be allowed a minimum of 90 days to prepare proposals for large, complex projects.  For program areas that do not require letters of intent, proposal submission deadlines will be no sooner than four weeks after the RFA’s release and will be determined with consideration of application complexity. For more information about the AFRI funding opportunity, visit the NIFA Web site at <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/afri/afri.html">http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/afri/afri.html</a>. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation’s future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } [9]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(79) "USDA Awards More Than $4 Million to Improve and Maintain a Healthy Water Supply" ["link"]=> string(69) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/01061_watersheds.html" ["description"]=> string(3031) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2010 – The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today awarded more than $4 million to conduct research aimed at improving and maintaining healthy watershed habitat and water supplies. "Science-based information on both water quality and water scarcity is going to be key to addressing these critical issues for America's producers and the consumers in the years ahead," said Roger Beachy, NIFA director. "These grants will further research to help manage agricultural water supplies in the face of climate change, while better protecting aquatic habitats and the larger communities that we share the water supply with agriculture” The grants are awarded through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Water and Watershed competitive grants program. The program seeks to reduce pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa; as well as hormones and pharmaceuticals in waters derived from agricultural and rural watersheds , while maintaining adequate water supplies for agricultural crop and livestock production and rural use. In the past five years, the program has awarded more than $24.2million in grants. Fiscal Year 2009 grants were awarded to: <ul> <li>University of California, Davis, Calif., $399,808 <li>University of Delaware, Newark, Del., $320,000 <li>American Geophysical Union, Washington, D.C., $10,000 <li>Ecological Society of America, Washington, D.C., $10,000 <li>Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga., $400,000 <li>University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill, $386,775 <li>Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., $400,000 <li>Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La., $110,000  <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $399,970 <li>Mississippi State University, Starkville, Miss., $398,821 <li>University of Nevada, Reno, Nev., $399,945 <li>Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $299,370 <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $393,297 <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $110,352 <li>Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, $261,662 </li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:54:29 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(3031) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2010 – The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today awarded more than $4 million to conduct research aimed at improving and maintaining healthy watershed habitat and water supplies. "Science-based information on both water quality and water scarcity is going to be key to addressing these critical issues for America's producers and the consumers in the years ahead," said Roger Beachy, NIFA director. "These grants will further research to help manage agricultural water supplies in the face of climate change, while better protecting aquatic habitats and the larger communities that we share the water supply with agriculture” The grants are awarded through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Water and Watershed competitive grants program. The program seeks to reduce pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa; as well as hormones and pharmaceuticals in waters derived from agricultural and rural watersheds , while maintaining adequate water supplies for agricultural crop and livestock production and rural use. In the past five years, the program has awarded more than $24.2million in grants. Fiscal Year 2009 grants were awarded to: <ul> <li>University of California, Davis, Calif., $399,808 <li>University of Delaware, Newark, Del., $320,000 <li>American Geophysical Union, Washington, D.C., $10,000 <li>Ecological Society of America, Washington, D.C., $10,000 <li>Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga., $400,000 <li>University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill, $386,775 <li>Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., $400,000 <li>Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La., $110,000  <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $399,970 <li>Mississippi State University, Starkville, Miss., $398,821 <li>University of Nevada, Reno, Nev., $399,945 <li>Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $299,370 <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $393,297 <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $110,352 <li>Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, $261,662 </li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } } ["channel"]=> array(4) { ["generator"]=> string(20) "mirabyte Feed Writer" ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:08:02 -0500" ["lastbuilddate"]=> string(31) "Sun, 07 Dec 2008 01:58:50 -0600" ["tagline"]=> NULL } ["textinput"]=> array(0) { } ["image"]=> array(0) { } ["feed_type"]=> string(3) "RSS" ["feed_version"]=> string(3) "2.0" ["stack"]=> array(0) { } ["inchannel"]=> bool(false) ["initem"]=> bool(false) ["incontent"]=> bool(false) ["intextinput"]=> bool(false) ["inimage"]=> bool(false) ["current_field"]=> string(0) "" ["current_namespace"]=> bool(false) ["_CONTENT_CONSTRUCTS"]=> array(6) { [0]=> string(7) "content" [1]=> string(7) "summary" [2]=> string(4) "info" [3]=> string(5) "title" [4]=> string(7) "tagline" [5]=> string(9) "copyright" } ["last_modified"]=> string(31) "Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:57:13 GMT " ["etag"]=> string(22) ""3c820-b102-6f29c40" " } } ["feed"]=> &object(magpierss)(19) { ["parser"]=> int(0) ["current_item"]=> array(0) { } ["items"]=> array(10) { [0]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(63) "USDA Joins National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research" ["link"]=> string(64) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/02252_nccor.html" ["description"]=> string(4615) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. "As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic," Vilsack said. "USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama's vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans." Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign. The Let's Move! campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. Learn more about this initiative by visiting <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.LetsMove.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.letsmove.gov/" target="extWindow">www.LetsMove.gov</a>. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: <ul> <li>The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. </li> <li>The Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children's nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. ARS also compiles the "gold-standard" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States.</li> <li>The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the "Household Food Security in the United State, 2008" report. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices.</li> <li><a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.Nutrition.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.nutrition.gov/" target="extWindow">www.Nutrition.gov</a></li></ul>   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations' strengths. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation's research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. For more information about NCCOR, please visit <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.nccor.org'); return false;" href="http://www.nccor.org/" target="extWindow">www.nccor.org</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:55:58 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(4615) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. "As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic," Vilsack said. "USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama's vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans." Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign. The Let's Move! campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. Learn more about this initiative by visiting <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.LetsMove.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.letsmove.gov/" target="extWindow">www.LetsMove.gov</a>. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: <ul> <li>The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. </li> <li>The Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children's nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. ARS also compiles the "gold-standard" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States.</li> <li>The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the "Household Food Security in the United State, 2008" report. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices.</li> <li><a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.Nutrition.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.nutrition.gov/" target="extWindow">www.Nutrition.gov</a></li></ul>   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations' strengths. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation's research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. For more information about NCCOR, please visit <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.nccor.org'); return false;" href="http://www.nccor.org/" target="extWindow">www.nccor.org</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " } [1]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(70) "USDA Working to Develop More Nutritious Humanitarian Food Aid Packages" ["link"]=> string(64) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/02251_fanep.html" ["description"]=> string(3778) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 – Roger Beachy, director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced a new grant program to develop healthier food products for humanitarian assistance programs. “Millions of people around the world depend on food aid delivered by the United States for their survival every day,” Beachy said.  “It is our responsibility to make sure that in emergency situations, these people are receiving food that supplies them with the nutrients they need.”             NIFA’s Food Aid Nutritional Education Program (FANEP) supports the development and field testing of new ready-to-use foods, fortified blended foods, high-energy foods, micronutrient powders or other food products designed to improve the nutritional delivery and functional form of humanitarian food assistance.  Projects funded by FANEP may also field test existing food products that have not yet been approved for use in food aid programs. NIFA expects to release the request for applications for the program next month with a 60-day open period.  Approximately $3.8 million in grants will be awarded in Fiscal Year 2010 on a competitive basis.  Eligible applicants include state agricultural experiment stations and cooperative extension services, all colleges and universities, other research or education institutions and organizations, federal and private agencies and organizations and individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.  Foreign entities are not eligible to apply; however, award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary to conduct the project. NIFA does not require cost-sharing or matching support for FANEP projects.  However, priority will be given to applications that demonstrate active partnership with and in-kind support from the private sector. FANEP is administered through Section 724 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriation Act (Public Law 111-80), which specified for a grant program to enhance the health of individuals, especially infants and young children, at risk for or suffering from malnutrition by further improving the nutritional content, product composition, packaging and other components of food products delivered through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program and the Food for Peace Title II humanitarian assistance programs. Before applying, applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process, which can take as long as two weeks for new applicants. More info is at the <a href="http://www.grants.gov/">Grants.gov</a> Web site. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:07:26 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(3778) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 – Roger Beachy, director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced a new grant program to develop healthier food products for humanitarian assistance programs. “Millions of people around the world depend on food aid delivered by the United States for their survival every day,” Beachy said.  “It is our responsibility to make sure that in emergency situations, these people are receiving food that supplies them with the nutrients they need.”             NIFA’s Food Aid Nutritional Education Program (FANEP) supports the development and field testing of new ready-to-use foods, fortified blended foods, high-energy foods, micronutrient powders or other food products designed to improve the nutritional delivery and functional form of humanitarian food assistance.  Projects funded by FANEP may also field test existing food products that have not yet been approved for use in food aid programs. NIFA expects to release the request for applications for the program next month with a 60-day open period.  Approximately $3.8 million in grants will be awarded in Fiscal Year 2010 on a competitive basis.  Eligible applicants include state agricultural experiment stations and cooperative extension services, all colleges and universities, other research or education institutions and organizations, federal and private agencies and organizations and individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.  Foreign entities are not eligible to apply; however, award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary to conduct the project. NIFA does not require cost-sharing or matching support for FANEP projects.  However, priority will be given to applications that demonstrate active partnership with and in-kind support from the private sector. FANEP is administered through Section 724 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriation Act (Public Law 111-80), which specified for a grant program to enhance the health of individuals, especially infants and young children, at risk for or suffering from malnutrition by further improving the nutritional content, product composition, packaging and other components of food products delivered through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program and the Food for Peace Title II humanitarian assistance programs. Before applying, applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process, which can take as long as two weeks for new applicants. More info is at the <a href="http://www.grants.gov/">Grants.gov</a> Web site. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " } [2]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(91) "NIFA Announces Grants to Help Train and Educate the Next Generation of Farmers and Ranchers" ["link"]=> string(70) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/02171_beg_farmers.html" ["description"]=> string(3970) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON – Feb. 17, 2010 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of more than $18 million in grants to help train, educate and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP).   "Beginning farmers and ranchers are critical to creating rural prosperity in the United States, but they face unique challenges and require education and assistance to ensure their profitability and sustainability,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director. “These grants will provide training the America’s next generation of farmers and ranchers need to succeed.” BFRDP is an education, training, technical assistance and outreach program designed to help U.S. farmers and ranchers -specifically those who have been farming or ranching for 10 years or less.  NIFA will make grants available to organizations to design programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers.  Project results are expected to be disseminated widely to all farmers.  Proposals are due April 6, and applications are available on the <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/beginningfarmerandrancher.cfm">NIFA Web site</a>. This is the second year of the program, established by the Section 7410 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.  The Act also makes $19 million available in fiscal years 2011 and 2012.  In FY 2009, BFRDP made 29 awards for approximately $17 million. Priority will be given to projects that are partnerships and collaborations led by or including nongovernmental and community-based organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer training and outreach.  All applicants are required to provide funds or in-kind support from non-federal sources in an amount that is at least equal to twenty-five percent of the federal funds requested.   In fiscal year 2010, only standard projects and a few educational enhancement teams will be funded.  All projects will be limited to three years. Budget requests in the proposals must not exceed $250,000 per year.  For standard projects, NIFA is looking for proposals in these areas: <ul> <li>Mentoring, apprenticeships and internships</li> <li>Resources and referrals</li> <li>Assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers</li> <li>Innovative farm and ranch transfer strategies</li> <li>Entrepreneurship and business training</li> <li>Model land leasing contracts</li> <li>Financial management training</li> <li>Whole farm planning</li> <li>Conservation assistance</li> <li>Risk management education</li> <li>Diversification and marketing strategies</li> <li>Curriculum development</li> <li>Understanding the impact of concentration and globalization</li> <li>Basic livestock and crop farming practices</li> <li>Acquisition and management of agricultural credit</li> <li>Environmental compliance</li> <li>Information processing</li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future.  More information is at: <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:25:33 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(3970) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON – Feb. 17, 2010 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of more than $18 million in grants to help train, educate and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP).   "Beginning farmers and ranchers are critical to creating rural prosperity in the United States, but they face unique challenges and require education and assistance to ensure their profitability and sustainability,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director. “These grants will provide training the America’s next generation of farmers and ranchers need to succeed.” BFRDP is an education, training, technical assistance and outreach program designed to help U.S. farmers and ranchers -specifically those who have been farming or ranching for 10 years or less.  NIFA will make grants available to organizations to design programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers.  Project results are expected to be disseminated widely to all farmers.  Proposals are due April 6, and applications are available on the <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/beginningfarmerandrancher.cfm">NIFA Web site</a>. This is the second year of the program, established by the Section 7410 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.  The Act also makes $19 million available in fiscal years 2011 and 2012.  In FY 2009, BFRDP made 29 awards for approximately $17 million. Priority will be given to projects that are partnerships and collaborations led by or including nongovernmental and community-based organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer training and outreach.  All applicants are required to provide funds or in-kind support from non-federal sources in an amount that is at least equal to twenty-five percent of the federal funds requested.   In fiscal year 2010, only standard projects and a few educational enhancement teams will be funded.  All projects will be limited to three years. Budget requests in the proposals must not exceed $250,000 per year.  For standard projects, NIFA is looking for proposals in these areas: <ul> <li>Mentoring, apprenticeships and internships</li> <li>Resources and referrals</li> <li>Assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers</li> <li>Innovative farm and ranch transfer strategies</li> <li>Entrepreneurship and business training</li> <li>Model land leasing contracts</li> <li>Financial management training</li> <li>Whole farm planning</li> <li>Conservation assistance</li> <li>Risk management education</li> <li>Diversification and marketing strategies</li> <li>Curriculum development</li> <li>Understanding the impact of concentration and globalization</li> <li>Basic livestock and crop farming practices</li> <li>Acquisition and management of agricultural credit</li> <li>Environmental compliance</li> <li>Information processing</li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future.  More information is at: <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " } [3]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(73) "USDA Addresses Veterinary Shortages with Education Loan Repayment Program" ["link"]=> string(65) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/02121_vetmed.html" ["description"]=> string(4105) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA had taken the first step toward implementing a plan to address veterinary shortages throughout rural America by repaying the student loans of qualified veterinarians in return for their services in areas suffering from a lack of veterinarians. “USDA can help ensure there is a first line of defense against animal diseases across the United States by placing qualified veterinarians in areas where there is a critical need,” Vilsack said.  “This program will help reduce veterinary shortages, especially in the area of food animal medicine, which will reduce stress on producers and improve the health of the livestock industry.” USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), which was established in the National Veterinary Medical Services Act of 2003.  NIFA issued an interim rule for the program on July 9, 2009.  Implementation of the program began on Jan. 22, 2010 when NIFA released a Federal Register notice asking for comments and nominations for shortage situations from the chief animal health official from each state and insular area and appropriate federal animal health officials.  Guidance on what constitutes a shortage situation and nomination forms can be found on the <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/vmlrp">NIFA Web site</a>.  Nomination forms are due March 8, and can be returned via email to <a href="mailto:vmlrp@nifa.usda.gov">vmlrp@nifa.usda.gov</a>. NIFA will convene a panel of federal and state animal health experts to recommend submitted nomination packages for official designation as a veterinary shortage situation.  The public will be able to review designated veterinary shortage situations in list and/or map form, along with information describing the nature of the shortage situation.  NIFA expects to begin accepting applications from veterinarians wishing to participate in the program on April 30, 2010.  In return for a commitment of three years of veterinary services in a designated veterinary shortage area, NIFA may repay up to $25,000 of student loan debt per year.  Loan repayment benefits are limited to payments of the principal and interest on government and commercial loans received for the attendance at an accredited college of veterinary medicine resulting in a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or the equivalent.  NIFA projects applications will be due June 30, and that offers will be made by September 30. Veterinarians are critical to the national food safety and food security infrastructures, and to the health and well-being of both animals and humans; however, major studies indicate significant and growing shortages of food supply veterinarians and veterinarians serving in certain other high priority specialty areas.  A leading cause for this shortage is the heavy cost of four years of professional veterinary medical training, which can average between $130,000 and $140,000. Congress established the VMLRP as a way to remedy this growing need. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:03:45 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(4105) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA had taken the first step toward implementing a plan to address veterinary shortages throughout rural America by repaying the student loans of qualified veterinarians in return for their services in areas suffering from a lack of veterinarians. “USDA can help ensure there is a first line of defense against animal diseases across the United States by placing qualified veterinarians in areas where there is a critical need,” Vilsack said.  “This program will help reduce veterinary shortages, especially in the area of food animal medicine, which will reduce stress on producers and improve the health of the livestock industry.” USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), which was established in the National Veterinary Medical Services Act of 2003.  NIFA issued an interim rule for the program on July 9, 2009.  Implementation of the program began on Jan. 22, 2010 when NIFA released a Federal Register notice asking for comments and nominations for shortage situations from the chief animal health official from each state and insular area and appropriate federal animal health officials.  Guidance on what constitutes a shortage situation and nomination forms can be found on the <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/vmlrp">NIFA Web site</a>.  Nomination forms are due March 8, and can be returned via email to <a href="mailto:vmlrp@nifa.usda.gov">vmlrp@nifa.usda.gov</a>. NIFA will convene a panel of federal and state animal health experts to recommend submitted nomination packages for official designation as a veterinary shortage situation.  The public will be able to review designated veterinary shortage situations in list and/or map form, along with information describing the nature of the shortage situation.  NIFA expects to begin accepting applications from veterinarians wishing to participate in the program on April 30, 2010.  In return for a commitment of three years of veterinary services in a designated veterinary shortage area, NIFA may repay up to $25,000 of student loan debt per year.  Loan repayment benefits are limited to payments of the principal and interest on government and commercial loans received for the attendance at an accredited college of veterinary medicine resulting in a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or the equivalent.  NIFA projects applications will be due June 30, and that offers will be made by September 30. Veterinarians are critical to the national food safety and food security infrastructures, and to the health and well-being of both animals and humans; however, major studies indicate significant and growing shortages of food supply veterinarians and veterinarians serving in certain other high priority specialty areas.  A leading cause for this shortage is the heavy cost of four years of professional veterinary medical training, which can average between $130,000 and $140,000. Congress established the VMLRP as a way to remedy this growing need. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } [4]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(61) "NIFA Awards Funding for Animal Health and Production Research" ["link"]=> string(70) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/02021_afri_animal.html" ["description"]=> string(7645) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2010 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $24 million in grants to study animal heath, reproduction, breeding, genetics and nutrition. The agriculture animal industry plays a crucial role in the success and growth of the nation’s economy, accounting for 42 percent of forecast U.S. agricultural receipts in 2009. “The agriculture animal industry faces increasing challenges from animal diseases, reduced fertility, low nutrition and growth and non-tariff trade barriers,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director.  “These grants will help the United States maintain a strong, internationally-competitive animal agriculture industry and lead to safer and more affordable animal products.” NIFA awarded these grants through four program areas of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI): Animal Reproduction Program; Animal Genome, Genetics, and Breeding Program; Animal Growth and Nutrient Utilization Program; and Integrated Solutions for Animal Agriculture Program.  AFRI funds research, education, and extension grants and integrated research, extension, and education grants that address key problems of national, regional and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of agriculture. Animal programs at NIFA address several critical issues, including children’s health, food safety, international food security, and environmental protection.  They help reduce childhood obesity and improving human nutrition by providing higher quality sources of animal protein with reduced fat contents while making efforts to reduce the dependency of the feeding and use of antibiotics and hormones to domestic animals. The programs also work to ensure a safer food supply by targeting the reduction in pre-harvest food borne pathogens. Furthermore, they contribute significantly to international food security by supporting research to reduce the incidence of diseases in animals and improving the production efficiency of agriculturally important animals. Finally, these programs play a critical role in global climate change and environmental stewardship by promoting the reduction of green house gases emissions, the release of nitrogen and phosphorus into the environment through improved systems of livestock management and more efficient use of nutrients fed to animals. Fiscal Year 2009 grants were awarded to: Animal Reproduction Program <ul> <li>Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colo., $125,000 </li> <li>Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colo., $340,000 </li> <li>Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colo., $349,082</li> <li>University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $349,260 </li> <li>Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind., $315,000 </li> <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $349,782 </li> <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $10,000</li> <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $28,633 </li> <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $320,000 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $325,000 </li> <li>University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn., $349,503 </li> <li>University of Texas, Austin, Texas, $325,000 </li> <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $338,086 </li> <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $349,287 </li> <li>University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, Texas, $124,610 </li> <li>West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $337,835</li> <li>West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $330,000 </li> <li>University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo., $25,000 </li></ul>   Animal Genome, Genetics, and Breeding Program <ul> <li>Auburn University, Auburn, Ala.,   $800,000 </li> <li>Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., $970,000 </li> <li>University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., $388,343 </li> <li>University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill., $10,000 </li> <li>Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, $449,939 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $341,755 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $625,000 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $749,975 </li> <li>University of Maryland, College Park, Md., $681,145 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, East Lansing, Mich.,  $625,000 </li> <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $443,491 </li> <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $689,921 </li> <li>University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., $10,000</li> <li>University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., $130,000 </li> <li>North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., $749,502 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $450,000 </li> <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $597,902 </li> <li>Utah State University, Logan, Utah, $930,000 </li> <li>Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University,</li> <li>Blacksburg, Va., $908,280 </li> <li>University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc., $449,747 </li></ul>   Animal Growth and Nutrient Utilization Program <ul> <li>Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., $348,836 </li> <li>University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., $349,326 </li> <li>California State University, Fresno, Calif., $349,560 </li> <li>University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Fla., $350,000 </li> <li>University of Idaho, Moscow, Id., $137,829 </li> <li>Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, $349,421 </li> <li>University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky., $149,707 </li> <li>Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $349,983 </li> <li>Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $350,000 </li> <li>Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla., $125,000 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $349,476 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $349,992 </li> <li>South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D., $319,883 </li> <li>Utah State University, Logan, Utah, $260,987 </li> <li>West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $350,000 </li> <li>University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo., $10,000 </li></ul>   Integrated Solutions for Animal Agriculture Program <ul> <li>University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $1,000,000</li> <li>University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill., $900,000 </li> <li>University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt., $470,894</li> <li>Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., $629,106 </li> <li>University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc., $1,000,000 </li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation’s future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:16:14 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(7645) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2010 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $24 million in grants to study animal heath, reproduction, breeding, genetics and nutrition. The agriculture animal industry plays a crucial role in the success and growth of the nation’s economy, accounting for 42 percent of forecast U.S. agricultural receipts in 2009. “The agriculture animal industry faces increasing challenges from animal diseases, reduced fertility, low nutrition and growth and non-tariff trade barriers,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director.  “These grants will help the United States maintain a strong, internationally-competitive animal agriculture industry and lead to safer and more affordable animal products.” NIFA awarded these grants through four program areas of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI): Animal Reproduction Program; Animal Genome, Genetics, and Breeding Program; Animal Growth and Nutrient Utilization Program; and Integrated Solutions for Animal Agriculture Program.  AFRI funds research, education, and extension grants and integrated research, extension, and education grants that address key problems of national, regional and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of agriculture. Animal programs at NIFA address several critical issues, including children’s health, food safety, international food security, and environmental protection.  They help reduce childhood obesity and improving human nutrition by providing higher quality sources of animal protein with reduced fat contents while making efforts to reduce the dependency of the feeding and use of antibiotics and hormones to domestic animals. The programs also work to ensure a safer food supply by targeting the reduction in pre-harvest food borne pathogens. Furthermore, they contribute significantly to international food security by supporting research to reduce the incidence of diseases in animals and improving the production efficiency of agriculturally important animals. Finally, these programs play a critical role in global climate change and environmental stewardship by promoting the reduction of green house gases emissions, the release of nitrogen and phosphorus into the environment through improved systems of livestock management and more efficient use of nutrients fed to animals. Fiscal Year 2009 grants were awarded to: Animal Reproduction Program <ul> <li>Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colo., $125,000 </li> <li>Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colo., $340,000 </li> <li>Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colo., $349,082</li> <li>University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $349,260 </li> <li>Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind., $315,000 </li> <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $349,782 </li> <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $10,000</li> <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $28,633 </li> <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $320,000 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $325,000 </li> <li>University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn., $349,503 </li> <li>University of Texas, Austin, Texas, $325,000 </li> <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $338,086 </li> <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $349,287 </li> <li>University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, Texas, $124,610 </li> <li>West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $337,835</li> <li>West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $330,000 </li> <li>University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo., $25,000 </li></ul>   Animal Genome, Genetics, and Breeding Program <ul> <li>Auburn University, Auburn, Ala.,   $800,000 </li> <li>Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., $970,000 </li> <li>University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., $388,343 </li> <li>University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill., $10,000 </li> <li>Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, $449,939 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $341,755 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $625,000 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $749,975 </li> <li>University of Maryland, College Park, Md., $681,145 </li> <li>Agricultural Research Service, USDA, East Lansing, Mich.,  $625,000 </li> <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $443,491 </li> <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $689,921 </li> <li>University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., $10,000</li> <li>University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., $130,000 </li> <li>North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., $749,502 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $450,000 </li> <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $597,902 </li> <li>Utah State University, Logan, Utah, $930,000 </li> <li>Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University,</li> <li>Blacksburg, Va., $908,280 </li> <li>University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc., $449,747 </li></ul>   Animal Growth and Nutrient Utilization Program <ul> <li>Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., $348,836 </li> <li>University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., $349,326 </li> <li>California State University, Fresno, Calif., $349,560 </li> <li>University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Fla., $350,000 </li> <li>University of Idaho, Moscow, Id., $137,829 </li> <li>Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, $349,421 </li> <li>University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky., $149,707 </li> <li>Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $349,983 </li> <li>Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $350,000 </li> <li>Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla., $125,000 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $349,476 </li> <li>Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $349,992 </li> <li>South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D., $319,883 </li> <li>Utah State University, Logan, Utah, $260,987 </li> <li>West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $350,000 </li> <li>University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo., $10,000 </li></ul>   Integrated Solutions for Animal Agriculture Program <ul> <li>University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $1,000,000</li> <li>University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill., $900,000 </li> <li>University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt., $470,894</li> <li>Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., $629,106 </li> <li>University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc., $1,000,000 </li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation’s future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } [5]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(79) "USDA Awards More Than $4 Million in Weedy and Invasive Speicies Research Grants" ["link"]=> string(75) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/01212_invasive_species.html" ["description"]=> string(3677) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 DAVIS, Calif. Jan. 21, 2010 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced today that USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is awarding $4.6 million to 13 universities for research to develop ecologically and economically rational strategies for management, control or elimination of weedy or invasive species. Of the amount, Merrigan said that nearly $500,000 is for a University of California, Davis Laboratory. "Invasive plants and animals are a major threat to food and fiber production, costing U.S. producers between $7 billion and $27 billion per year, but by doing research on controlling and managing weedy and invasive species we help protect the productivity of America's farmers and ranchers," said Merrigan. Marie Jasieniuk, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, is conducting research to develop economical and environmentally sound strategies for managing invasive weeds and prevent the spread of invasive weeds in agroecosystems that provide tree fruits and nuts as well as wine, table, and raisin grapes. The University of California, Berkeley also received a $494,000 grant for their research into ecologically-based, invasive species management programs. The awards are administered through the NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Biology of Weedy and Invasive Species in Agroecosystems competitive grants program. AFRI is the primary competitive grant program to provide funding for fundamental and applied research, extension and education to address food and agricultural sciences. Funded projects include work at Cornell University to minimize negative impacts of the European cranefly in perennial grass-based agroecosystems. Researchers at the University of Alaska will test the efficiency of activated carbon on large scale soil to restore native species. Scientists at the University of Minnesota will work to mitigate impacts of the invasion of earthworms as an invasive species. The Fiscal Year 2009 grants are being awarded to: <ul> <li>Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., $494,000</li> <li>University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, $494,000</li> <li>University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, $149,911</li> <li>University of California, Berkeley, Calif., $494,000</li> <li>University of California, Davis, Calif., $495,000</li> <li>Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo., $124,962</li> <li>Idaho State University, Moscow, Idaho, $199,704</li> <li>University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn., $493,000</li> <li>University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn., $491,000</li> <li>Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $454,000</li> <li>Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $494,000</li> <li>Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $91,423</li> <li>Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore., $125,000</li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:47:10 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(3677) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 DAVIS, Calif. Jan. 21, 2010 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced today that USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is awarding $4.6 million to 13 universities for research to develop ecologically and economically rational strategies for management, control or elimination of weedy or invasive species. Of the amount, Merrigan said that nearly $500,000 is for a University of California, Davis Laboratory. "Invasive plants and animals are a major threat to food and fiber production, costing U.S. producers between $7 billion and $27 billion per year, but by doing research on controlling and managing weedy and invasive species we help protect the productivity of America's farmers and ranchers," said Merrigan. Marie Jasieniuk, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, is conducting research to develop economical and environmentally sound strategies for managing invasive weeds and prevent the spread of invasive weeds in agroecosystems that provide tree fruits and nuts as well as wine, table, and raisin grapes. The University of California, Berkeley also received a $494,000 grant for their research into ecologically-based, invasive species management programs. The awards are administered through the NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Biology of Weedy and Invasive Species in Agroecosystems competitive grants program. AFRI is the primary competitive grant program to provide funding for fundamental and applied research, extension and education to address food and agricultural sciences. Funded projects include work at Cornell University to minimize negative impacts of the European cranefly in perennial grass-based agroecosystems. Researchers at the University of Alaska will test the efficiency of activated carbon on large scale soil to restore native species. Scientists at the University of Minnesota will work to mitigate impacts of the invasion of earthworms as an invasive species. The Fiscal Year 2009 grants are being awarded to: <ul> <li>Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., $494,000</li> <li>University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, $494,000</li> <li>University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, $149,911</li> <li>University of California, Berkeley, Calif., $494,000</li> <li>University of California, Davis, Calif., $495,000</li> <li>Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo., $124,962</li> <li>Idaho State University, Moscow, Idaho, $199,704</li> <li>University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn., $493,000</li> <li>University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn., $491,000</li> <li>Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $454,000</li> <li>Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $494,000</li> <li>Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $91,423</li> <li>Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore., $125,000</li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } [6]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(90) "Michigan 4-H Program of Distinction Celebrates National Mentoring Month at the White House" ["link"]=> string(71) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/01211_4h_mentoring.html" ["description"]=> string(4381) "Jan. 20, 2009 – USDA’s 4-H National Headquarters celebrated National Mentoring Month at the White House this week along with the Michigan Youth 4-H Mentoring Program, which has been designated as a 4-H Program of Distinction. Created by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR, National Mentoring Month is marking its ninth year in 2010. By focusing national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how —individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofitscan work together to increase the number of mentors, we assure brighter futures for our young people. More information can be found online at <a href="http://www.nationalmentoringmonth.org/">www.nationalmentoringmonth.org</a>. The Michigan 4-H Youth Mentoring program was selected for its broad approach to mentoring and its effective use of planned youth mentoring as a delivery vehicle for 4-H positive youth development outcomes in more than 30 counties. We’re so excited that Michigan 4-H has been invited to the White House to celebrate National Mentor Month,” said extension specialist Lisa Bottomley. “We’re thrilled to be recognized for all the hard work that the staff, volunteers and youth have been doing over the years.” Michigan State University Extension sent mentor Andrew Knight and mentee Ryan Brott, 14, and Ryan’s mother, to visit the White House. Bottomley and Ottawa County 4-H mentoring coordinator Laura Schleede will also be going to Washington, D.C.  Video from the event is available on the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/celebrating-national-mentoring-month">White House Web site.</a> Ryan Brott and Andrew Knight were matched through the Journey 4-H Youth Mentoring program nearly one year ago.  Ryan, age 14, lives in Holland, Mich., with his mother and siblings.  He is in 8th grade at Holland High School.   Andrew, age 25, lives in West Olive, Mich., and is a student at Grand Valley State University.  Ryan was referred to Journey 4-H when he was struggling in school and had made some poor choices.  He lacked a positive adult male role model.  Andrew learned about Journey 4-H when he heard a presentation in his criminal justice class. Andrew and Ryan were matched because they both have a passion for sports and the outdoors.  They have participated in a variety of program opportunities including the Outdoor Challenge, an initiative designed to expose youth to positive outdoor activities.  Since they were matched last February, Ryan has improved his grades -- he almost made the honor roll this past semester. As part of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), 4-H National Headquarters seeks to promote positive youth development, facilitate learning and engage youth in the work of the land-grant universities and USDA to enhance their quality of life.  4-H Programs of Distinction is a recognition program that highlights high quality youth development programs within Cooperative Extension occurring in communities across the United States. These programs exhibit strong program development characteristics and contribute to the field; convey new ideas, materials or innovative methods; and demonstrate changes in knowledge, behaviors, attitudes or aspirations of youth and adults.  More information is available at <a href="http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/">www.national4-hheadquarters.gov</a>. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:20:58 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(4381) "Jan. 20, 2009 – USDA’s 4-H National Headquarters celebrated National Mentoring Month at the White House this week along with the Michigan Youth 4-H Mentoring Program, which has been designated as a 4-H Program of Distinction. Created by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR, National Mentoring Month is marking its ninth year in 2010. By focusing national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how —individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofitscan work together to increase the number of mentors, we assure brighter futures for our young people. More information can be found online at <a href="http://www.nationalmentoringmonth.org/">www.nationalmentoringmonth.org</a>. The Michigan 4-H Youth Mentoring program was selected for its broad approach to mentoring and its effective use of planned youth mentoring as a delivery vehicle for 4-H positive youth development outcomes in more than 30 counties. We’re so excited that Michigan 4-H has been invited to the White House to celebrate National Mentor Month,” said extension specialist Lisa Bottomley. “We’re thrilled to be recognized for all the hard work that the staff, volunteers and youth have been doing over the years.” Michigan State University Extension sent mentor Andrew Knight and mentee Ryan Brott, 14, and Ryan’s mother, to visit the White House. Bottomley and Ottawa County 4-H mentoring coordinator Laura Schleede will also be going to Washington, D.C.  Video from the event is available on the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/celebrating-national-mentoring-month">White House Web site.</a> Ryan Brott and Andrew Knight were matched through the Journey 4-H Youth Mentoring program nearly one year ago.  Ryan, age 14, lives in Holland, Mich., with his mother and siblings.  He is in 8th grade at Holland High School.   Andrew, age 25, lives in West Olive, Mich., and is a student at Grand Valley State University.  Ryan was referred to Journey 4-H when he was struggling in school and had made some poor choices.  He lacked a positive adult male role model.  Andrew learned about Journey 4-H when he heard a presentation in his criminal justice class. Andrew and Ryan were matched because they both have a passion for sports and the outdoors.  They have participated in a variety of program opportunities including the Outdoor Challenge, an initiative designed to expose youth to positive outdoor activities.  Since they were matched last February, Ryan has improved his grades -- he almost made the honor roll this past semester. As part of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), 4-H National Headquarters seeks to promote positive youth development, facilitate learning and engage youth in the work of the land-grant universities and USDA to enhance their quality of life.  4-H Programs of Distinction is a recognition program that highlights high quality youth development programs within Cooperative Extension occurring in communities across the United States. These programs exhibit strong program development characteristics and contribute to the field; convey new ideas, materials or innovative methods; and demonstrate changes in knowledge, behaviors, attitudes or aspirations of youth and adults.  More information is available at <a href="http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/">www.national4-hheadquarters.gov</a>. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } [7]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(90) "NIFA-Nominated Scientist wins Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers" ["link"]=> string(65) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/01131_peacse.html" ["description"]=> string(2289) "WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2010 - University of Kentucky researcher David McNear received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) today for his research in soil science, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). McNear was honored for his outstanding research in improving our understanding of how pasture management impacts soil quality, productivity and sustainability of tall fescue pastures and livestock grazing operations in the Eastern United States and for teaching and outreach to both the scientific and lay communities. “By helping us understand how soil microbial communities impact larger ecosystems, greenhouse gas fluxes, and movement of nutrients and toxic substances through the soil, David’s work is generating knowledge about soil science and production agriculture critical to improving the productivity and sustainability of American agriculture,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director.  “The microbial community is one of the least-understood components of the agroecosystem, and David’s research opens a wide window on this important set of players.” PECASE nominees are selected for their innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology. Nominees show exceptional potential to shape the future through intellectual and inspired leadership. Educational activities reflect a spirit of community service to help understand the nature and implications of scientific research. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:53:55 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(2289) "WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2010 - University of Kentucky researcher David McNear received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) today for his research in soil science, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). McNear was honored for his outstanding research in improving our understanding of how pasture management impacts soil quality, productivity and sustainability of tall fescue pastures and livestock grazing operations in the Eastern United States and for teaching and outreach to both the scientific and lay communities. “By helping us understand how soil microbial communities impact larger ecosystems, greenhouse gas fluxes, and movement of nutrients and toxic substances through the soil, David’s work is generating knowledge about soil science and production agriculture critical to improving the productivity and sustainability of American agriculture,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director.  “The microbial community is one of the least-understood components of the agroecosystem, and David’s research opens a wide window on this important set of players.” PECASE nominees are selected for their innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology. Nominees show exceptional potential to shape the future through intellectual and inspired leadership. Educational activities reflect a spirit of community service to help understand the nature and implications of scientific research. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } [8]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(78) "NIFA Plans to Release Agriculture and Food Research Initiative RFA in February" ["link"]=> string(63) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/01062_afri.html" ["description"]=> string(4131) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) expects to release its request for applications (RFA) for the 2010 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) no later than mid-February 2010 and will commit up to $800 million in funding for new grants, contingent on annual appropriations in following years. AFRI is NIFA’s flagship competitive grant program and was established under section 7406 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, otherwise known as the 2008 Farm Bill.  AFRI will support work in the following priority areas: plant health and production and plant products; animal health and production and animal products; food safety, nutrition, and health; renewable energy, natural resources, and environment; agriculture systems and technology; and agriculture economics and rural communities. Programs focused on these areas will use a disciplinary-based approach to building a foundation of knowledge critical for solving current and future problems. Within these priority areas, AFRI will support interdisciplinary, multi-functionaly projects in five  “societal challenge” areas to achieve significant and measurable outcomes and achieving goals. The five goals include: <ol> <li>Keep American agriculture competitive while ending world hunger <li>Improve nutrition and end child obesity <li>Radically improve food safety for all Americans <li>Secure America’s energy future through renewable biofuels <li>Mitigate and adapt agriculture to variations in climate </li></li></li></li></li></ol> NIFA will issue a series of RFAs to address these program areas. Grants in 2010 will be larger in size with funding up to $25 million and longer in duration with five year grants awarded that are eligible for renewal upon achieving specific goals.  NIFA expects such grants will lead to greater collaboration among institutions and organizations and will integrate basic and applied research with deliberate education or extension programs. In addition, up to $5 million in funding opportunities for pre- and postdoctoral fellowship grants will be offered.  This program area will create a cadre of "NIFA Fellows" poised to become the next generation of agricultural scientists, educators and practitioners. All RFAs will be available on NIFA’s Web site and on Grants.gov.  Some program areas require letters of intent, which will be requested no sooner than three weeks after the RFA’s release.  Submission of full proposals to those program areas will be no sooner than six weeks after the letter of intent deadline, with deadline dates determined based on proposal complexity.  Applicants will be allowed a minimum of 90 days to prepare proposals for large, complex projects.  For program areas that do not require letters of intent, proposal submission deadlines will be no sooner than four weeks after the RFA’s release and will be determined with consideration of application complexity. For more information about the AFRI funding opportunity, visit the NIFA Web site at <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/afri/afri.html">http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/afri/afri.html</a>. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation’s future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:35:10 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(4131) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) expects to release its request for applications (RFA) for the 2010 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) no later than mid-February 2010 and will commit up to $800 million in funding for new grants, contingent on annual appropriations in following years. AFRI is NIFA’s flagship competitive grant program and was established under section 7406 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, otherwise known as the 2008 Farm Bill.  AFRI will support work in the following priority areas: plant health and production and plant products; animal health and production and animal products; food safety, nutrition, and health; renewable energy, natural resources, and environment; agriculture systems and technology; and agriculture economics and rural communities. Programs focused on these areas will use a disciplinary-based approach to building a foundation of knowledge critical for solving current and future problems. Within these priority areas, AFRI will support interdisciplinary, multi-functionaly projects in five  “societal challenge” areas to achieve significant and measurable outcomes and achieving goals. The five goals include: <ol> <li>Keep American agriculture competitive while ending world hunger <li>Improve nutrition and end child obesity <li>Radically improve food safety for all Americans <li>Secure America’s energy future through renewable biofuels <li>Mitigate and adapt agriculture to variations in climate </li></li></li></li></li></ol> NIFA will issue a series of RFAs to address these program areas. Grants in 2010 will be larger in size with funding up to $25 million and longer in duration with five year grants awarded that are eligible for renewal upon achieving specific goals.  NIFA expects such grants will lead to greater collaboration among institutions and organizations and will integrate basic and applied research with deliberate education or extension programs. In addition, up to $5 million in funding opportunities for pre- and postdoctoral fellowship grants will be offered.  This program area will create a cadre of "NIFA Fellows" poised to become the next generation of agricultural scientists, educators and practitioners. All RFAs will be available on NIFA’s Web site and on Grants.gov.  Some program areas require letters of intent, which will be requested no sooner than three weeks after the RFA’s release.  Submission of full proposals to those program areas will be no sooner than six weeks after the letter of intent deadline, with deadline dates determined based on proposal complexity.  Applicants will be allowed a minimum of 90 days to prepare proposals for large, complex projects.  For program areas that do not require letters of intent, proposal submission deadlines will be no sooner than four weeks after the RFA’s release and will be determined with consideration of application complexity. For more information about the AFRI funding opportunity, visit the NIFA Web site at <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/afri/afri.html">http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/afri/afri.html</a>. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation’s future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } [9]=> array(5) { ["title"]=> string(79) "USDA Awards More Than $4 Million to Improve and Maintain a Healthy Water Supply" ["link"]=> string(69) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/01061_watersheds.html" ["description"]=> string(3031) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2010 – The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today awarded more than $4 million to conduct research aimed at improving and maintaining healthy watershed habitat and water supplies. "Science-based information on both water quality and water scarcity is going to be key to addressing these critical issues for America's producers and the consumers in the years ahead," said Roger Beachy, NIFA director. "These grants will further research to help manage agricultural water supplies in the face of climate change, while better protecting aquatic habitats and the larger communities that we share the water supply with agriculture” The grants are awarded through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Water and Watershed competitive grants program. The program seeks to reduce pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa; as well as hormones and pharmaceuticals in waters derived from agricultural and rural watersheds , while maintaining adequate water supplies for agricultural crop and livestock production and rural use. In the past five years, the program has awarded more than $24.2million in grants. Fiscal Year 2009 grants were awarded to: <ul> <li>University of California, Davis, Calif., $399,808 <li>University of Delaware, Newark, Del., $320,000 <li>American Geophysical Union, Washington, D.C., $10,000 <li>Ecological Society of America, Washington, D.C., $10,000 <li>Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga., $400,000 <li>University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill, $386,775 <li>Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., $400,000 <li>Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La., $110,000  <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $399,970 <li>Mississippi State University, Starkville, Miss., $398,821 <li>University of Nevada, Reno, Nev., $399,945 <li>Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $299,370 <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $393,297 <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $110,352 <li>Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, $261,662 </li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:54:29 -0500" ["summary"]=> string(3031) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2010 – The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today awarded more than $4 million to conduct research aimed at improving and maintaining healthy watershed habitat and water supplies. "Science-based information on both water quality and water scarcity is going to be key to addressing these critical issues for America's producers and the consumers in the years ahead," said Roger Beachy, NIFA director. "These grants will further research to help manage agricultural water supplies in the face of climate change, while better protecting aquatic habitats and the larger communities that we share the water supply with agriculture” The grants are awarded through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Water and Watershed competitive grants program. The program seeks to reduce pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa; as well as hormones and pharmaceuticals in waters derived from agricultural and rural watersheds , while maintaining adequate water supplies for agricultural crop and livestock production and rural use. In the past five years, the program has awarded more than $24.2million in grants. Fiscal Year 2009 grants were awarded to: <ul> <li>University of California, Davis, Calif., $399,808 <li>University of Delaware, Newark, Del., $320,000 <li>American Geophysical Union, Washington, D.C., $10,000 <li>Ecological Society of America, Washington, D.C., $10,000 <li>Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga., $400,000 <li>University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill, $386,775 <li>Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., $400,000 <li>Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La., $110,000  <li>Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $399,970 <li>Mississippi State University, Starkville, Miss., $398,821 <li>University of Nevada, Reno, Nev., $399,945 <li>Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $299,370 <li>North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $393,297 <li>Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $110,352 <li>Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, $261,662 </li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></ul>   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nifa.usda.gov/">www.nifa.usda.gov</a>. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD)." } } ["channel"]=> array(4) { ["generator"]=> string(20) "mirabyte Feed Writer" ["pubdate"]=> string(31) "Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:08:02 -0500" ["lastbuilddate"]=> string(31) "Sun, 07 Dec 2008 01:58:50 -0600" ["tagline"]=> NULL } ["textinput"]=> array(0) { } ["image"]=> array(0) { } ["feed_type"]=> string(3) "RSS" ["feed_version"]=> string(3) "2.0" ["stack"]=> array(0) { } ["inchannel"]=> bool(false) ["initem"]=> bool(false) ["incontent"]=> bool(false) ["intextinput"]=> bool(false) ["inimage"]=> bool(false) ["current_field"]=> string(0) "" ["current_namespace"]=> bool(false) ["_CONTENT_CONSTRUCTS"]=> array(6) { [0]=> string(7) "content" [1]=> string(7) "summary" [2]=> string(4) "info" [3]=> string(5) "title" [4]=> string(7) "tagline" [5]=> string(9) "copyright" } ["last_modified"]=> string(31) "Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:57:13 GMT " ["etag"]=> string(22) ""3c820-b102-6f29c40" " } ["feedmeta"]=> array(24) { ["hardcode name"]=> string(2) "no" ["hardcode description"]=> string(2) "no" ["hardcode url"]=> string(2) "no" ["update/hold"]=> string(9) "scheduled" ["tags"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(4) "usda" } ["feed/generator"]=> string(20) "mirabyte Feed Writer" ["feed/pubdate"]=> string(31) "Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:08:02 -0500" ["feed/title"]=> string(9) "NIFA News" ["feed/description"]=> string(102) "Latest news and announcements from USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service" ["feed/link"]=> string(47) "http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/newsroom.html" ["feed/ttl"]=> string(2) "60" ["feed/language"]=> string(5) "en-us" ["feed/webmaster"]=> string(27) "webcomments@csrees.usda.gov" ["feed/tagline"]=> string(102) "Latest news and announcements from USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service" ["feed/id"]=> string(39) "http://www.csrees.usda.gov/rss/news.xml" ["update/last"]=> int(1268154889) ["update/ttl"]=> int(89) ["update/timed"]=> string(13) "automatically" ["cats"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(4) "{#7}" } ["map authors"]=> array(1) { ["name"]=> array(1) { ["csrees news"]=> string(1) "2" } } ["feed/lastbuilddate"]=> string(31) "Sun, 07 Dec 2008 01:58:50 -0600" ["link/uri"]=> string(39) "http://www.csrees.usda.gov/rss/news.xml" ["link/name"]=> string(9) "NIFA News" ["link/id"]=> string(1) "8" } ["post"]=> array(16) { ["post_title"]=> string(63) "USDA Joins National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research" ["post_content"]=> string(4561) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. "As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic," Vilsack said. "USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama's vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans." Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign. The Let's Move! campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. Learn more about this initiative by visiting <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.LetsMove.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.letsmove.gov/" >www.LetsMove.gov</a>. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: <ul> <li>The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. </li> <li>The Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children's nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. ARS also compiles the "gold-standard" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States.</li> <li>The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the "Household Food Security in the United State, 2008" report. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices.</li> <li><a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.Nutrition.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.nutrition.gov/" >www.Nutrition.gov</a></li></ul>   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations' strengths. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation's research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. For more information about NCCOR, please visit <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.nccor.org'); return false;" href="http://www.nccor.org/" >www.nccor.org</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). " ["post_excerpt"]=> string(4615) "Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. "As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic," Vilsack said. "USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama's vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans." Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign. The Let's Move! campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. Learn more about this initiative by visiting <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.LetsMove.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.letsmove.gov/" target="extWindow">www.LetsMove.gov</a>. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: <ul> <li>The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. </li> <li>The Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children's nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. ARS also compiles the "gold-standard" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States.</li> <li>The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the "Household Food Security in the United State, 2008" report. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices.</li> <li><a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.Nutrition.gov'); return false;" href="http://www.nutrition.gov/" target="extWindow">www.Nutrition.gov</a></li></ul>   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations' strengths. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation's research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. For more information about NCCOR, please visit <a title="Link opens in new window" onclick="openExternalWindow('http://www.nccor.org'); return false;" href="http://www.nccor.org/" target="extWindow">www.nccor.org</a>. <center># </center> USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). 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