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USDA awards more than $46 million for specialty crop research and ExtensionU.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Nov. 18 announced that USDA has awarded more than $46 million through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative to solve critical specialty crop agriculture issues, address priorities and solve problems through multifunctional research and Extension. "Specialty crops are an important part of American agriculture, valued at nearly $50 billion every year," Vilsack said. "This significant investment into research, education and extension will enable specialty crop producers to improve their products and increase their profitability." The Specialty Crop Research Initiative was established by the 2008 farm bill to support the specialty crop industry by developing and disseminating science-based tools to address the needs of specific crops in five focus areas: 1) improve crop characteristics through plant breeding, genetics and genomics; 2) address threats from pests and diseases; 3) improve production efficiency, productivity and profitability; 4) develop new innovations and technologies and 5) develop methods to improve food safety. Each of the focus areas received at least 10 percent of the available funds. The majority of the funded projects address two or more focus areas. The projects funded in 2009 address research and Extension needs for crops that span the entire spectrum of specialty crops production, from studying invasive mealy bug pests in west coast vineyards to developing biodegradable mulches for specialty crops produced under protective covers. Major projects were also funded to protect important specialty crops from invasive pests and to develop improved varieties. Although 20 institutions will manage the research/extension grant funds from this program, each award includes an average of eight principal investigators from three other states who will work together in a multi-disciplinary approach to solve problems. All of the awards required 100 percent matching funds from non-federal sources which will double the impact of the award dollars. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and Extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov.
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