Biotech Updates

USDA Awards Grants to Mitigate Climate Change Effects

July 8, 2011

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded 13 grants worth over US$53 M to address issues related to climate change. The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) which oversees the projects has six 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.

"Anticipating and adjusting to long-term climate patterns is vital for successful agricultural production," said Chavonda Jacobs-Young, acting NIFA director. "Sound science helps farmers, ranchers and foresters make the right decisions to reduce the effects of climate change and increased variability on their operations. The grants support a wide range of fundamental global agricultural concerns, from cereal crops and animal production to forestry and pest management."

A full list of awardees can be found online at http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2011news/climate_change_awards.html