USDA Science and Research Strategy

“Nourishing Next Generation Agrifood Breakthroughs” Innovation Challenge

USDA and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) launched the “Nourishing Next Generation Agrifood Breakthroughs” (Innovation Challenge) in June 2024. The Innovation Challenge is a global funding competition for dynamic, disruptive projects that will produce major breakthroughs for nutrition security while mitigating climate change impacts and advancing equity for underserved communities. The Innovation Challenge will fund transdisciplinary teams led by early-career scientists (those who have received a Ph.D. within the past 10 years) to catalyze new discoveries and mobilize transformative research.

In September 2024, USDA and FFAR announced three project proposals recommended for funding. The Innovation Challenge selected projects from Columbia University, the University of British Columbia, and From the Land, LLC for their groundbreaking ideas and potential impacts to transform agriculture. Read more about the selected projects in USDA’s press release: USDA and FFAR Announce Innovation Challenge Projects Aimed at Catalyzing Transformative Research Solutions.

Learn more about the Innovation Challenge and the top 13 finalists by visiting FFAR’s website: USDA-FFAR Innovation Challenge.

USDA Science and Research Strategy

The "USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023-2026: Cultivating Scientific Innovation" presents a vision for transforming U.S. agriculture through science and innovation, and outlines USDA’s highest scientific priorities. Learn how you can become part of this visionary strategy. Chart a course towards addressing pressing societal challenges by seizing opportunities to revolutionize the food, agriculture, and natural resource sectors.

Download the Strategy (PDF, 21.4 MB)

Join the Conversation and Shape the Future of Agriculture!

We're turning intention into action and we're calling on YOU— our partners and stakeholders—to join us on this journey. Together, we're crafting a future that's innovative, sustainable, and transformative for agriculture and beyond.

Share Your Input

Your voice matters! Have insights, ideas, or expertise to share? We want to hear them. Your input is invaluable as we lay the groundwork for real change. Share your thoughts by emailing USDAScience@usda.gov.

Lead a Discussion

Imagine being a catalyst for change in your own community. Take charge by hosting your own stakeholder discussion. Download this “Lead a Discussion” Digital Toolkit (ZIP, 33.1 MB) and use this resource to gather your community, share ideas, and contribute to the vision of a progressive agricultural landscape.

Share with Your Network

Want to share these ideas with your network? Share the USDA Science & Research Strategy 2023-2026 and use the hashtags: #USDAScience | #USDAScienceMovesMe

Stay Connected and Informed

Stay connected on USDA Science and Research efforts. Bookmark this page to explore updates, resources, and insights. Follow @USDAScience for the latest science updates.

Five Priorities, One Vision

We're embarking on a journey to turn intention into action and we're calling on YOU—our partners and stakeholders—to be the architects of change. Together, we're crafting a future that's innovative, sustainable, and transformative for agriculture and beyond.

Accelerating Innovative Technologies and Practices

USDA is identifying and developing approaches that support innovative, resilient, and commercially viable technologies and practices at a transformative pace to strengthen overall wellbeing.

Download this One-Pager to Learn More (PDF, 2.1 MB)

Driving Climate Smart Solutions

USDA will advance research that is co-developed with the public to address risks from long-term and acute climate stressors, generate potential new revenue streams, and improve climate resilience.

Download this One-Pager to Learn More (PDF, 2.1 MB)

Bolstering Nutrition Security and Health

USDA will deliver innovative, science-based best practices and opportunities to support decisions related to food and nutrition security, dietary guidance, personalized food choices, food safety, nutrition, and agriculture.

Download this One-Pager to Learn More (PDF, 2.7 MB)

Cultivating Resilient Ecosystems

USDA will address place-and-scale-appropriate needs through science-based solutions targeting multi-faceted and pressing goals to ensure agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resilience.

Download this One-Pager to Learn More (PDF, 2.7 MB)

Translating Research into Action

USDA works to empower open, science-based, and data-driven information, communicate solutions that promote understanding and action, and foster a culture where policy informs, encourages, and advances scientific innovation and adoption.

Download this One-Pager to Learn More (PDF, 2.1 MB)

Innovation at USDA

USDA Science is working to revolutionize the food, agriculture and natural resources sectors by investing in a diversified portfolio that accelerates transformation. USDA embraces the necessity of high-risk, high-reward transdisciplinary research to ensure important science and technology contributions that support our future. This requires accelerating science like biotechnology, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence and robotics and integrating them with human and behavioral sciences in a systems approach to bring bold, sustainable solutions to the nation’s farmers, producers, ranchers and foresters.

Advancing Together for a Better Tomorrow

USDA's commitment reaches across communities, supporting thriving neighborhoods and nourishing our nation. By forging innovation and collaboration together, we can confront challenges as one. This strategy embodies the voices of our stakeholders and partners, harnessing collective expertise for meaningful change.