On August 23, 2023, the USDA announced an investment of over $12.5 million in small businesses engaged in important agricultural research across the U.S.
"The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to investing, growing, and supporting small businesses through increased market opportunities that also strengthen the food system nationally and locally," said Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young. "Science-based innovations from federally funded research, often developed through public-private partnerships, create products and services that increase productivity and enhance global competitiveness for the U.S. agriculture sector. "
According to a press release issued on Aug. 23, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given more than $12.5 million in the USDA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The money is meant to fund almost 80 small businesses nationwide that are conducting research to address critical agricultural challenges. According to the press release, this initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to boost small businesses and strengthen the national and local food systems through science-based innovations.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is funding 15 STTR projects in 12 states with a $2.5 million investment. These projects involve small businesses collaborating with nonprofit research institutions to bring technology to the marketplace. Additionally, NIFA is investing $9.9 million in 61 SBIR projects, addressing issues like natural resource conservation, plant and animal production, and biobased product development. Notably, 20 of these awards are going to minority- or woman-owned businesses, and 22 are supporting businesses in economically distressed areas.
Some of the funded projects include efforts to improve the viability of new aquaculture species, remediate contamination using plants, develop automated robotic harvesters for specialty crops, and create energy-efficient solar greenhouses. Proposals for SBIR and STTR funding are open until September 19, 2023. This investment in research and development aligns with the USDA's Science and Research Strategy, 2023-2026, aimed at shaping a more prosperous, profitable, and sustainable future for U.S. agriculture and forestry.
