News

USDA research funding available

USDA will be awarding $130 million in grants to support ag research, extension and education.

USDA says projects will support sustainable, economically viable plant and animal systems including organic production. Priority areas to be equally funded by national and state commodity boards include plant breeding for ag production and food safety.

The assistance is available through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Foundation Program which was created in the 2014 farm bill.

“They’ve begun making research grants.  Again it’s public sector, private sector matching funds and we’re beginning to see announcements around agricultural research.”  Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow says prior to the 2014 farm bill, there wasn’t a long-term structure to support ag research.

AUDIO with Stabenow at farm broadcaster press conference