FFAR Welcomes New Executive Director, Dr. Saharah Moon Chapotin

August 30, 2022 Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON (August 30, 2022) – After an extensive search process, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is thrilled to welcome Dr. Saharah Moon Chapotin as the executive director.

We are excited that Dr. Chapotin is joining FFAR at such a pivotal time. Her extensive leadership and research background will be essential in leading the organization’s audacious research efforts and identifying new frontiers for FFAR. Mark E. Keenum, Ph.D.
Chair, FFAR Board of Directors
President
Mississippi State University

Chapotin is a plant scientist with more than 15 years of experience in federal leadership, using science to inform policy and advancing agriculture research. Chapotin previously served as the executive director of the United States Botanic Garden from 2018 to 2022. Chapotin also spent over 11 years at the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), where she held multiple positions, including serving as the deputy assistant administrator in USAID’s Bureau for Food Security.

As an evolving organization, FFAR has surpassed early expectations to become an influential voice in the food and agriculture research community. With many pioneering research projects underway and collaborative partnerships that provide the results to farmers, FFAR is pleased to have Chapotin joining the fold as we begin a new chapter.

It is an honor to serve as FFAR’s executive director during an exciting time. I am looking forward to globalizing the organization’s research portfolio and ensuring investments are driving equitable and inclusive solutions. Saharah Moon Chapotin, Ph.D.
Executive Director

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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 USDA’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