USDA and FFAR Launch $2 Million Innovation Challenge to Tackle Nutrition, Climate, and Equity

U.S. Department of AgricultureImage via USDA

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) have launched a global challenge aimed at catalyzing scientific breakthroughs to improve nutrition security, mitigate climate change, and advance equity for underserved communities. The initiative, called “Nourishing Next Generation Agrifood Breakthroughs,” offers up to $2 million in funding for transdisciplinary teams led by early-career scientists.

The goal of this competitive Innovation Challenge is to spark high-risk, high-reward research. It focuses on innovations that intersect nutrition security, climate-smart agriculture, and social equity. By targeting early-career researchers, the USDA and FFAR hope to foster creative and promising new ideas that address these interconnected challenges.

“Through this Innovation Challenge, USDA and FFAR are investing in researchers who are sources of disruptive ideas and breakthrough solutions in agricultural science,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA recognizes that investing in transdisciplinary science is necessary to strengthen our nation’s agrifood systems and we are committed to supporting innovative problem-solvers that harvest hope through ingenuity to better nourish our people and our planet.”

Secretary Vilsack announced the initiative during the “Harvesting Hope: USDA’s Agrifood Innovation Symposium” in Washington, D.C. The event, hosted in partnership with FFAR, showcased innovative scientific solutions funded by USDA investments. It featured lightning talks and innovation showcases by researchers working on transformative projects.

“During this Symposium we want to spur innovative ideas, spark new collaborations and inspire scientific solutions led by early-career scientists,” said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics.

The Innovation Challenge for a Sustainable Future

The Innovation Challenge addresses three critical issues: climate change, nutrition security, and social equity. These issues are often treated separately, but they are deeply interconnected. Climate change affects food production, which in turn impacts nutrition security. Underserved communities are disproportionately affected by both climate change and food insecurity. By addressing these challenges together, the USDA and FFAR aim to create more holistic and sustainable solutions.

Investing in early-career scientists is crucial. These researchers bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that are essential for tackling complex problems. Providing them with resources and support can lead to groundbreaking discoveries that might not emerge through traditional funding mechanisms.

The Power of Innovation for Health and Equity

The success of this challenge could lead to significant advancements in sustainable food production. Innovations in this area could help farmers produce more food with fewer resources, reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. This is particularly important as climate change threatens global food supplies.

Improving nutrition security has profound implications for public health. Better access to nutritious food can reduce the prevalence of diet-related diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. It can also improve overall quality of life, particularly in underserved communities that often lack access to healthy food options.

Advancing equity is another critical outcome. By focusing on underserved communities, the Innovation Challenge seeks to ensure that the benefits of scientific advancements are distributed more fairly. This can help reduce health disparities and promote social justice.

USDA & FFAR’s $2M Innovation Challenge

Eligible researchers from higher education institutions, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and government-affiliated research agencies can apply for the Innovation Challenge. Applications are due by July 29, 2024. Teams will be judged on their potential to produce transformative research in alignment with USDA’s and FFAR’s strategic goals.

The USDA’s $1 million share of the funding comes from congressional appropriations to the Office of the Chief Scientist. This investment signals a commitment to fostering innovation that can address some of the most pressing issues facing society today.

In summary, the USDA and FFAR’s $2 million Innovation Challenge represents a bold step toward addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, nutrition security, and social equity. By investing in early-career scientists and promoting transdisciplinary research, this initiative aims to generate groundbreaking solutions that can transform the agrifood system and improve lives around the world.

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