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WASHINGTON, D.C. July 20, 2017 The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced 13 grants totaling $4.6 million for research on the next generation of agricultural technologies and systems to meet the growing demand for food, fuel, and fiber. The grants are funded through NIFA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Nanotechnology is being rapidly implemented in medicine, electronics, energy, and biotechnology, and it has huge potential to enhance the agricultural sector, said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. NIFA research investments can help spur nanotechnology-based improvements to ensure global nutritional security and prosperity in rural communities. The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative is Americas flagship competitive grants program for foundational and translational research, education, and extension projects in the food and agricultural sciences. These grants are awarded under the AFRI Foundational: Agriculture Systems and Technology program. Funded projects support nanotechnology-based solutions that improve food production, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and food safety. Fiscal year 2016 grants being announced include: Nanotechnology for Agricultural and Food Systems

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USDA Announces $4.6 Million for Nanotechnology Research ... - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (press release) (blog)