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NIFA supports research, educational, and extension efforts in a wide range of scientific fields related to agricultural and behavioral sciences.

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    Second Annual Virtual Grants Support Technical Assistance Workshop
    Check out this five-day workshop in March 2024 workshop, designed to help you learn about NIFA grants and resources for grants development and management.

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    BiotechnologySharePrint Friendly Email Twitter Facebook
    
    Advanced Technologies
      Bioenergy
          Biotechnology
          NanotechnologyAgricultural biotechnology uses biological processes to develop technologies and products that address farming challenges. In the face of a rising world population, the agricultural industry is seeking solutions for how to produce enough food to feed more people. More than 17 million farmers around the world have turned to biotechnology to increase crop production, prevent pest damage, and reduce the impact of farming on the environment.

Importance of Biotechnology****

Advances in biotechnology have opened up new options for farmers responding to market needs and environmental challenges. Products and technologies created through biotechnology benefit consumers in a range of areas, such as:

Improved nutritional value in foods
	Lower food costs
	Reduced pesticide use
	Less reliance on petroleumNIFA’s Impact

USDA plays a key role in assuring that biotechnology plants and products derived from these plants are safe to be grown and used. NIFA supports this goal by providing the funding and leadership needed to:

Improve animal vaccine effectiveness
	Prevent crop loss caused by pests and disease
	Increase crop yields by maximizing a plant’s ability to convert energy
	Assess the risk of biotechnology and promote best management practices
	Improve the biofuel potential of crops

  Programs
    AFRI Interagency Programs
              Equipment Grants Program (EGP)
              Environmental and Resource Economics Programs
              Plant Health and Production and Plant Products Program Area
              Bioproduct Pilot Program
              Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants (BRAG) Program
              Biotechnology Programs
              Urban, Indoor, and Emerging Agriculture
              From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals (NextGen)
              Microbial Genomics Program

  Funding Opportunities
    Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Education and Workforce Development
              Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative
              Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) (Joint NSF) Competitive Grants Program
              Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program
              Research Facilities Act Program
              National Plant Diagnostic Network for the Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative Return to top
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