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Celebrating Juneteenth and Black American Contributions to Agriculture
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans in 1865. This day is not just a celebration of freedom but a reminder of the resilience and contributions of Black Americans to various…
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Opportunities Abound at NextGen Spring Student Summit
This spring, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) hosted 111 students at USDA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. for the NextGen Spring Student Summit. Students traveled from 11 states and Puerto Rico, representing…
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SARE Leading National Community Foods Project Food Loss and Waste Training and Technical Assistance Grants Program
In the United States, more than a third of available food goes uneaten through loss or waste. USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) supports research, Extension and educational activities to mitigate food loss and…
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Understanding How Wildfires Change Soil Could Aid Recovery
Severe wildfires can drive chemical changes in soil that affect ecosystem recovery and risks to human health. A new study finds broader surveillance and modeling of these changes could inform strategies for protecting lives, property…
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Remembering Those for Their Sacrifice and Service
As we reflect on this Memorial Day, it musters significant emotions deep within me. Remembering faces, places, events and emotional connection to them all. The exhaustion, sweat and tears of being in a place that time forgot with men…
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The American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Investment Program Is Growing Success
The American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Investment program (ARPTAI) ensures equitable participation in the full range of USDA programs and services among underserved farmers, ranchers, forest landowners and operators through…
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NIFA Funded Projects Help Strengthen Maui Community
May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and many of us will be taking time in the coming weeks to prepare ourselves, our homes and our communities for what may be yet another record-breaking wildfire season.
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Master Gardeners Help Provide Solutions for Gardeners
April is recognized as National Garden Month, which brings together experienced green thumbs, novice growers and gardening groups together to share tips, tricks and support this growing season.
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Protecting Our Water
Water continues to be one of the most critical challenges facing agriculture and communities.
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NIFA Publishes Report on Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program
Since 2010, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) has served the needs of food animal veterinarians and stakeholders in animal agriculture across the nation by…
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Helpful Hints to Understanding NIFA’s Funding Opportunities
New to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) funding opportunities? Or maybe you’ve been a NIFA grant recipient before. Either way, NIFA has online resources available for potential applicants to our programs. …
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The Year of the Periodical Cicadas
Depending on where you live, this spring you might hear a constant buzzing chorus from a particular insect—the periodical cicadas are emerging.
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Exploring Ag Biotech Careers with University of Connecticut 4-H
Developing professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields is critical to ensuring a continuing pipeline to support the agricultural, food, and renewable natural resources sectors of the U.S. economy. …
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Breeding Food Crops for The Future
Plant diseases, insects and a changing climate pose ongoing challenges to food crop producers.
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Research, Education and Extension Efforts Improve Livestock Health
Animal agriculture comprises a large portion of U.S. agriculture. Livestock, including poultry, comprise about 48 percent of all U.S. agricultural value according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. In 2022, livestock value totaled …
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U.S. - Ireland R&D Partnership Aims to Solve Critical Agricultural Issues
In 2006, the United States, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland launched a research and development partnership to accelerate economic development and cooperation across borders by encouraging trilateral research collaboration…
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Fort Valley State University Project Is Building Reproductive Technology Capacities
Both goats and sheep which are small ruminants have potential for meat and milk production to help feed a growing world population.
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Students Growing from Learning to Leading
Recently, students from 17 academic institutions traveled from more than 10 states and Insular Areas to Washington, D.C. to participate in a three-day program as part of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s from…
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USDA's Complete Guide to Home Canning
As gardening season begins, people may already be wondering how to manage their garden's bounty. Don’t know what to do with all your tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, apples, pears, plums and grapes from your garden and fruit trees? Have…
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Leading A USDA Agency With Passion and Purpose
As we conclude Black History Month and recognize the beginning of historic contributions of women’s accomplishments across the nation, we highlight the first Black female associate directors at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s…
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Continuing Battle Against Invasive Species
What do feral hogs, leafy spurge, brown marmorated stink bugs and sea lamprey all have in common? They are all invasives species.
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NIFA Celebrates Climate Hubs for 10 Years of Helping Farmers, Ranchers and Forest Landowners Enhance Climate Resilience
In honor of the 10th anniversary of the USDA Climate Hubs, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is celebrating accomplishments from the first decade of this pioneering network.
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New SARE Publication Supports Urban Agriculture
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture supports research, education and Extension efforts throughout the nation that are leading to the creation of more and better market opportunities for farmers and producers, including…
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International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are a critical component of our national economy and the global economy as well. A significant gender gap persists in STEM disciplines all over the world.
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GusNIP Awards First Funding to U.S. Insular Areas
The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) is increasing the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers, in turn improving the health and nutrition of participating households. For the first time since its…