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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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    Agriculture TechnologySharePrint Friendly Email Twitter Facebook
    
    Farming and Ranching
      Agricultural Safety
          Agricultural Systems
          Agriculture Technology
          Farmer Education
          Organic Agriculture
          Small and Family Farms
          Sustainable AgricultureModern farms and agricultural operations work far differently than those a few decades ago, primarily because of advancements in technology, including sensors, devices, machines, and information technology. Today’s agriculture routinely uses sophisticated technologies such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technology. These advanced devices andprecision agriculture and robotic systems allow businesses to be more profitable, efficient, safer, and more environmentally friendly.

Importance of Agricultural Technology

Farmers no longer have to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides uniformly across entire fields. Instead, they can use the minimum quantities required and target very specific areas, or even treat individual plants differently. Benefits include:

Higher crop productivity
	Decreased  use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, which in turn keeps food prices down
	Reduced impact on natural ecosystems
	Less runoff of chemicals into rivers and groundwater
	Increased worker safetyIn addition, robotic technologies enable more reliable monitoring and management of natural resources, such as air and water quality. It also gives producers greater control over plant and animal production, processing, distribution, and storage, which results in:

Greater efficiencies and lower prices
	Safer growing conditions and safer foods
	Reduced environmental and ecological impactNIFA’s Impact

NIFA advances agricultural technology and ensures that the nation’s agricultural industries are able to utilize it by supporting:

Basic research and development in physical sciences, engineering, and computer sciences
	Development of agricultural devices, sensors, and systems
	Applied research that assesses how to employ technologies economically and with minimal disruption to existing practices
	Assistance and instruction to farmers on how to use new technologiesWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
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  Programs
    Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI)
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              From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals (NextGen)

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    Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Education and Workforce Development
              Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) (Joint NSF) Competitive Grants Program
              Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program Pre-Applications
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              Research Facilities Act Program Return to top
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