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

FFAR Grant Protects Wheat Yields from Wheat Stem Sawfly 

Wheat stem sawflies are non-stinging wasp-like insects that cause wheat yield losses across the U.S. Sawflies previously targeted spring wheat crops; however, these pests have recently emerged in Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska, suggesting that it is evolving to feed on winter wheat crops as well. Led by Dr. Punya Nachappa, Colorado State University researchers are identifying resistance genes in wheat and developing predictive models that determine the likelihood of wheat stem sawfly infestation.

Identifying Proteins Required for Immunity to ASFV 

African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is a highly contagious, fatal disease in pigs that spreads rapidly and there is no commercially available vaccine to mitigate the spread of ASFV. Led by Dr. Douglas Gladue, USDA researchers are pinpointing the viral proteins involved in immunity and infection to develop a vector-based subunit vaccine, a vaccine that include a component of the virus to stimulate an immune response, for ASFV.

Analyzing the Efficacy of Live-vectored Prototype ASFV Subunit Vaccines 

African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is a highly contagious, fatal disease in pigs that spreads rapidly and there is no commercially available vaccine to mitigate the spread of ASFV. Led by Dr. Waithaka Mwangi, Kansas State University researchers are using an adenovirus vector vaccine, which is a tool used to deliver target antigens to the host, and a paper-based diagnostic test that distinguishes vaccinated from infected animals.

FFAR Grant Combats Disease in Lettuce Crops 

Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) is a highly contagious plant virus that causes crop losses worldwide. INSV is transmitted by tiny insects that feed on plants and can spread the virus as they move from plant to plant. While the virus affects a wide range of crops, it is currently threatening lettuce production. Led by Dr. Richard Michelmore, UC Davis researchers are identifying and deploying multiple genes for resistance to increase durability and slow the evolution and spread of resistance-breaking strains of INSV.

Genvax Technologies is Developing an African Swine Fever Vaccine 

Genvax Technologies is developing a non-living vaccine composed of self-amplifying messenger RNA, or saRNA. saRNA vaccines are genetically engineered molecules that trigger the immune system to make antibodies that can successfully attack and destroy an invading virus. Researchers will test the vaccine at USDA-ARS’s Plum Island Animal Disease Center to determine if the vaccine will protect swine when exposed to a virulent, or severe, strain of the virus.

Protecting Coffee from Leaf Rust Disease 

Biological Control of Cattle Fever Ticks in South Texas 

In addition to market volatility threats from COVID-19, Texas cattle ranchers are also battling the southern cattle fever tick (Rhipicephalus microplus), a tick carried pathogen that causes deadly cattle fever for which there is no vaccine or treatment. USDA researchers are developing biological control technologies to prevent and contain this parasite.

Development of Prevention, Detection and Response Strategies for the Asian Lognhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) 

The increasing prevalence of the invasive longhorn tick threatens American farmers, livestock, companion animals and wildlife. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture researchers are mapping the tick's spread and developing response strategies to protect farmers, ranchers and their animals.

Evaluation of feed additives to mitigate the risk of viral-contaminated feed to pigs 

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) virus and Seneca Valley A (SVA) are deadly swine diseases that can spread through contaminated animal feed. Pipestone Applied Research is testing ten commercially available disease mitigants, or feed additives, to assess whether these mitigants can deactivate these and other swine diseases.

Stopping A New Threat to The Lettuce Industry in Florida: Fusarium Wilt 

Fusarium Wilt is a fungus that threatens the $70 million Floridian lettuce industry. University of Florida researchers are developing disease management practices and training lettuce growers to better manage cross contamination to reduce the spread of this disease.