By Jamie Martin
The USDA, in collaboration with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), is pioneering the future of agriculture with the launch of the Innovation Challenge. This initiative has earmarked $1.15 million to support transformative agricultural projects.
Columbia University, the University of British Columbia, and From the Land, LLC are the proud recipients of this funding, which aims to address key issues like climate resilience and nutrition security.
Columbia University's project will enhance climate-resilient rice cultivation in Puerto Rico, supporting local and underserved farmers. Meanwhile, the University of British Columbia is developing a novel post-harvest coating to extend the shelf life of perishable produce, increasing food availability and nutritional access.
From the Land, LLC is set to revolutionize poultry nutrition by enriching mealworms, thereby improving the quality of fats in poultry products. These projects not only promote sustainability but also foster local market growth and enhance food security.
The selection of these projects underscores USDA and FFAR’s commitment to nurturing early-career scientists and catalyzing high-impact research.
With 91 entries from 10 countries, the Innovation Challenge highlights the global drive towards innovative solutions in agrifood systems. These efforts align with USDA's Science & Research Strategy and FFAR’s mission to fill critical knowledge gaps in food and agriculture.
This global initiative promises significant advancements in agricultural practices, benefiting farmers, communities, and consumers alike.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National