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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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The National Institute of Food and Agriculture provides leadership and funding for programs that advance agriculture-related sciences.

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    The Science of Food
      Advanced Food Manufacturing
          Food Products
          Food SafetyPost-harvest losses, global competition, climate change and rising consumer demand for better food quality require scientists to understand the biological, physical and chemical properties of food and food ingredients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture collaborates with academic, federal and industry partners to understand the science of foods to improve processing and packaging technologies. These efforts help meet the demand for safe, palatable, nutritious, convenient and globally competitive food products.Importance of Food QualityEvery year, approximately 40% of all food produced globally for human consumption is lost and wasted. Advancements in science and technology continue to improve food production. As a result of rapidly evolving technologies, the public has access to a food supply that is:Abundant and diverseResistant to spoilageSafe, nutritious and appealingNIFA’s ImpactNIFA initiatives are directed towards improving the production, storage and quality of foods. The agency’s projects:Develop innovative processing technologies to improve the quality of foods and reduce post-harvest lossesConduct research to understand the molecular structure and functionality of foods and food ingredients to assess safety, quality and nutritional value of foodsImprove production efficiency and resource conservation in the food industryAdvance packaging science and engineering to improve food packaging materials and systemsProgramsAgriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)A1364 Novel FoodsAFRI Sustainable Agriculture SystemsSmall Business Innovation Research - Food Science and Nutrition (SBIR 8.5)

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    AFRI Crosscutting Programs
              AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program
              Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)
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              Food Science and Technology Programs
              From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals (NextGen)
              Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR/STTR)
              Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI)
              Urban, Indoor, and Emerging Agriculture

  Funding Opportunities
    Research Facilities Act Program Return to top
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