WASHINGTON, June 11, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) today launched a global challenge aimed at advancing scientific research to address nutrition security, climate change impacts, and equity for underserved communities. The “Nourishing Next Generation Agrifood Breakthroughs” Innovation Challenge will fund transdisciplinary teams led by early-career scientists to catalyze new discoveries and transformative research addressing critical societal challenges.
This competitive initiative seeks high-risk, high-reward research at the intersection of nutrition security, equity and justice, and climate-smart agriculture. Emphasizing support for early-career researchers, USDA and FFAR will award up to $2 million to successful applicants proposing sustainable food production solutions that promote human health and reduce inequities.
“Through this Innovation Challenge, USDA and FFAR are investing in researchers who are sources of disruptive ideas and breakthrough solutions in agricultural science,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA recognizes that investing in transdisciplinary science is necessary to strengthen our nation’s agrifood systems.”
Secretary Vilsack announced the challenge during Harvesting Hope: USDA’s Agrifood Innovation Symposium in Washington, D.C., an event featuring innovation showcases and lightning talks on scientific solutions made possible by USDA investments.
“During this Symposium we want to spur innovative ideas, spark new collaborations and inspire scientific solutions led by early-career scientists,” said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics.
The Innovation Challenge invites eligible researchers from various institutions to propose projects aligned with USDA’s Science & Research Strategy (2023 - 2026) and FFAR’s Research Strategy. The initiative encourages viewing climate, nutrition security, and equity as interconnected issues.
“Investing in the next generation of food and agriculture scientists is a cornerstone of FFAR’s mission,” said FFAR Executive Director Dr. Saharah Moon Chapotin. “The Innovation Challenge is a unique opportunity for early career scientists to lead interdisciplinary teams.”
Applications are due Monday, July 29, 2024. More information can be found on the USDA/FFAR Innovation Challenge page or through the June 13 webinar for prospective applicants.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA aims to transform America’s food system with a focus on resilient local production, fair markets for producers, safe nutritious food access for all communities, new income streams using climate-smart practices, historic infrastructure investments in rural America, and commitment to equity across the Department.
FFAR builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing significant food and agriculture challenges established by the 2014 Farm Bill.
