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National Institute of Food and Agriculture


Spook-tacular Healthy Halloween Ideas: USDA Evidence-Based Ideas for a Healthy and Safe Halloween

October 31, 2017 Sheila Fleischhacker, Senior Advisor for Nutrition and Food Safety, Office of the Chief Scientist

“Trick-or-treating” or more recently “Trunk-or-Treating” is a Halloween custom for many American families. According to the US Census Bureau 2015 Population Estimates, there are an estimated 41.1 million potential trick-or-treaters – children ages 5 to 14 – across the United States. Of course...

Research and Science Food and Nutrition

Tribal Colleges: Acknowledging the Past, Understanding the Present, and Aspiring to a Successful Future

October 25, 2017 Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, Director, National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Oct. 20, 1994, is an important milestone in our nation’s history in regards to equity in research, education, and extension. On that date, 29 tribal colleges, representing different histories, cultural orientations, and organizational structures, received land-grant university (LGU) status. Such LGU...

Research and Science

Unpacking the Cornucopia to Celebrate the Fall Harvest and the Fruits of Plant Breeding

October 17, 2017 Sarah Federman, AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow, USDA Office of the Chief Scientist and Ann-Marie Thro, National Program Leader for Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, National Institute of Food and Agriculture

It’s that time of year again when many of us adorn our homes with autumn décor, and our tables with the bounties of a fall harvest. Consider the cornucopia. This centerpiece is symbolic of the food and thanks that we share with our friends and family. Inside, we find examples of grains, fruits, and...

Research and Science

AgrAbility Helps Ag Workers with Disabilities Succeed

October 10, 2017 Aida Balsano, National Program Leader for Rural Health and Safety, National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers have one of the most dangerous occupations in America, suffering more fatal work injuries each year than most other professions. There were 570 fatalities in 2015 and even more debilitating injuries.

Farming

For Wyoming 4-H’ers, it’s Time to Head Back to High School and College

August 16, 2017 Scott Elliott, National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Most teenagers across the country are preparing to start a new year of school, but in Wyoming many will pull double duty by earning college credit after they close their high school books.

Research and Science

Technology Transfer Report Shows Broad Reach of USDA’s “Made in America” Research

August 02, 2017 Dr. Ann Bartuska, USDA Acting Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics

Why is the U.S. Department of Agriculture involved with developing an anti-cancer drug? It’s all part of our work to conduct “Made in America” research that produces new technology and creates business opportunities and jobs.

Research and Science

Big Data Yields Big Opportunities in Agriculture

July 17, 2017 Stephanie Pearl, Science Communicator, National Institute of Food and Agriculture

(NIFA is accepting proposals for conferences to identify opportunities and bottlenecks in generating, managing, and integrating data within the food and agricultural system. NIFA will also consider research proposals that apply or enhance big data activities and efforts. Applications submitted to...

Technology Research and Science

Our Nation’s Commitment to Rural Quality of Life Began with a Seminal Idea

June 29, 2017 Sonny Ramaswamy, Director, National Institute of Food and Agriculture

We have schools to teach the art of manslaying… Shall we not have schools to teach men the way to feed, clothe, and enlighten the brotherhood of man? - Justin Smith Morrill, April 20, 1858 By 1862, in the midst of the Civil War, Justin Smith Morrill, the representative from Vermont, with little...

Research and Science

Secretary Perdue Affirms USDA’s Commitment to Indian Country

June 09, 2017 Linda Cronin, Acting Director of Tribal Relations, and Lawrence Shorty, Director of the 1994 Program

Within a month of his start, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue followed through on his promise to Indian Country to visit tribal leaders. Joining tribal representatives, Senators Rounds and Thune, and Congresswoman Noem at Oglala Lakota College’s Rapid City Extension Center, Secretary Perdue aimed...

Rural Farming Conservation

National Ag Day: Giving Thanks for Agriculture, From Farm to Fork

March 21, 2017 Sonny Ramaswamy, Director, National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Today is National Ag Day, a day to recognize the role of American agriculture in our daily lives and the efforts of those who shape the American food system. The average American farmer feeds approximately 144 people worldwide, and with agriculture being our number one export, agriculture is...

Food and Nutrition
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