Awarded Grants
Below is a listing of our awarded grants that tackle big food and agriculture challenges.

Innovations in Plant Genetics to Develop Intermediate Wheatgrass as a Next-Generation Sustainable Crop

Accelerated Development of Crops of the Future

On average, it takes farmers ten years to produce a new crop. With an increasing global population, there is high demand for more crops sooner. Iowa State University researchers are developing breeding methods that accelerate plant breeding for multiple crop species. These breeding techniques deliver improved crop varieties – with greater yields – into the hands of farmers sooner.

Genetic and microbial determinants of nitrogen fixation in a Sierra Mixe landrace of maize

Plants need nitrogen to grow. Although the majority of earth’s atmosphere is made up of nitrogen, plants cannot access this form of nitrogen. We awarded a grant to the University of California, Davis to study a Mexican corn variety, Sierra Mixe, that obtains atmospheric nitrogen with the help of microbes, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

FFAR and NYSTAR Grant Helps RIT Examine Degradable Mulching Films

RIT researchers are developing an alternative to plastic mulch that decomposes faster and can be more easily disposed of on farms. The resulting mulch has the potential to cut costs for farmers while drastically reducing the amount of waste they produce. It could also reduce pesticide use, conserve water and increase crop yield and quality.

Growing Policy From The Ground Up: Building, Deploying, and Testing Networks to Strengthen Urban Food Systems

Urban food systems promote community health by providing affordable and healthy food to low-income communities, yet there are limited resources for local governments that support urban food systems. SUNY researchers on behalf of the University at Buffalo are testing inclusive organizing models that advance policies supporting urban agriculture.

Increasing wheat nutritional value through changes in resistant starch composition

Diets lacking fiber can lead to life-threatening health concerns. The federal Dietary Guidelines recommends that women consume 25 grams of fiber daily and men consume 38 grams; yet Americans only consume 30 percent of the recommended daily amount of fiber. University of California, researchers are investigating ways to increase wheat dietary fiber using modified starch synthesis enzymes.

Precision Irrigation Scheduling for Specialty Crops

Farmers growing specialty crops deal with a multitude of complexities such as lacking access to cost-effective irrigation guidance tools. Specialty crops are often over-irrigated which can jeopardize food security. GeoVisual Analytics researchers are improving irrigation guidance and grower adoption of precision irrigation technologies by analyzing data and field measurements.

FFAR Grant Combats Climate Change Through Soil Health Practices

Farmers and ranchers are facing increasing challenges from climate change, such as more frequent droughts and flooding, which can devastate crops. Extreme weather imposes drastic changes that ultimately threaten food security. The grant’s research team, led by AFT’s Climate Initiative Director, Dr. Jennifer Moore, is developing a data-driven decision platform that can be used at various capacities to analyze current global warming potential (GWP) for major agronomic systems with the ability to prioritize key areas within states or regions.

FFAR Grant Provides Technical Training to Enhance Soil Health

Cover crops are essential to preserving nutrient-rich soils for cultivating health foods and improving overall soil health. Although there are various training programs for farmers on how to use cover crops, there is a dire need for technical training for industry agronomists and other farm advisors who influence farmers’ management decisions.

FFAR Grant Improves Soil Health Through Phosphorus Management

Phosphorus, a nutrient commonly found in manure and commercial fertilizers, is beneficial to plant growth. Despite phosphorus’ beneficial properties, there are only few studies on the effects of soil health practices on phosphorus. Kansas State University researchers are examining how cover crops and phosphorous management strategies interact to influence soil health.