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FFAR Unveils New Research Strategy

Washington, D.C.

In January 2023, FFAR began defining a Research Strategy to ensure FFAR-funded research is meeting stakeholder needs. After a yearlong effort, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is excited to unveil its Research Strategy for 2024-2028. The Strategy identifies new ways for FFAR to increase interdisciplinary research and meet the evolving needs of the food and agriculture sector.

Portrait of Saharah Moon Chapotin.
Our Research Strategy enhances coordination between research areas, aligns our work around intended impacts, creates opportunities to welcome new partners and ensures the research we fund with our partners is meeting stakeholder needs. Developing this research strategy has truly been a collaborative effort. We could not have developed the resulting strategy without the valuable input provided by our stakeholders. Saharah Moon Chapotin, Ph.D.
Executive Director

Since 2016, FFAR has organized its research around Challenge Areas. To achieve greater impact and collaboration, FFAR is transitioning from Challenge Areas to focus on four high-level priority areas: Cultivating Thriving Production Systems, Sustaining Vibrant Agroecosystems, Bolstering Healthy Food Systems and Strengthening the Scientific Workforce.

As outlined in the Research Strategy, FFAR also aims to design research that delivers specific impacts, including sustainably intensified productivity, increased environmental sustainability and improved human health.

To develop its Research Strategy, FFAR engaged extensively with current and potential partners including commodity groups, industry, civil society, federal and state agencies, researchers, scientific societies and research administration organizations.

“We are excited to begin implementing our new Strategy, and its interdisciplinary approach, to focus FFAR’s work on critical Priority Areas,” said FFAR’s Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Angela Records. “Through innovative collaborations with new and existing partners, we are committed to continuing to tackle urgent food and agriculture challenges.

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Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.

Connect: @FoundationFAR