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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Here is an opportunity for your voices to be heard! Written responses accepted until December 1<sup>st</sup>.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture [mailto:usda.nifa@public.govdelivery.com]
<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Sunday, September 24, 2017 8:16 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Hutchinson, Barbara S - (bhutchin) <BarbaraH@cals.arizona.edu><br>
<b>Subject:</b> USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Weekly Digest Bulletin<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#888888">09/18/2017
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">September 19, 2017</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture Needs Stakeholder Input on Food, Agriculture Priorities</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">The National Institute of Food and Agriculture is accepting input from stakeholders regarding research, extension, and education priorities in food and agriculture. A series
of four in-person listening sessions hosted in different regions across the country and submission of written comments will offer two ways to share your thoughts and ideas. Stakeholder input received from both methods will be treated equally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:7.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%;text-align:start">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">NIFA Listens: Investing in Science to Transform Lives” focuses on answering to two questions from stakeholders:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in;text-align:start" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">What is your top priority in food and agricultural research, extension, or education that NIFA should address?<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">What are the most promising science opportunities for advancement of food and agricultural sciences?<o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:7.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%;text-align:start">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">NIFA wants to hear from you about priorities and opportunities in agricultural sciences. This will help NIFA prioritize science emphasis areas, identify gaps in programming,
and determine which programs are redundant or underperforming. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:7.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%;text-align:start">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">To contribute your ideas online and to register for in-person listening sessions, fill out our </span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAxIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTQ2NDI0OTMiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3VydmV5bW9ua2V5LmNvbS9yL1E2SERHQzM_dXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDE3MDkxOC43ODI5NDA1MSJ9.CByCa5Hu_O4EAJZMKaP3gdbiLRLEFCDWpO3pWQerb7A"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0000EE">input
form</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">. You have the option to give a five minute oral presentation and submit written content; however, it is not required
to do both.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in;text-align:start" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Individuals wishing to attend in-person listening sessions must complete the RSVP in the </span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAxIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTQ2NDI0OTMiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3VydmV5bW9ua2V5LmNvbS9yL1E2SERHQzM_dXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDE3MDkxOC43ODI5NDA1MSJ9.CByCa5Hu_O4EAJZMKaP3gdbiLRLEFCDWpO3pWQerb7A"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0000EE">input
form</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"> no later than Thursday, October 12, 2017. If you are making a five minute oral presentation, you must submit
a short 250 word abstract describing your topic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Submissions of written comments will be accepted through Friday, December 1, 2017. The </span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAxIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTQ2NDI0OTMiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3VydmV5bW9ua2V5LmNvbS9yL1E2SERHQzM_dXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDE3MDkxOC43ODI5NDA1MSJ9.CByCa5Hu_O4EAJZMKaP3gdbiLRLEFCDWpO3pWQerb7A"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0000EE">input
form</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"> is one opportunity to share written comments. Please take time to consider and clearly form your answers to the
questions above before filling out the form. You will be allowed 600 words for each question. You may also submit written comments via </span></span><a href="mailto:NIFAlistens@nifa.usda.gov?subject=Written%20Comments%20for%20NIFA%20Listens&body=Provide%20input%20on%20the%20following%20questions%3A%0AWhat%20is%20your%20top%20priority%20in%20food%20and%20agricultural%20research%2C%20extension%2C%20or%20education%20that%20NIFA%20should%20address%3F%0AWhat%20are%20the%20most%20promising%20science%20opportunities%20for%20advancement%20of%20food%20and%20agricultural%20sciences%3F%0A%0A"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0000EE">NIFAlistens@nifa.usda.gov</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Four regional in-person listening sessions will be held:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in;text-align:start" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Thursday, Oct. 19, Kansas City, Missouri<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Thursday, Oct. 26, Atlanta, Georgia<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Thursday, Nov. 2, Sacramento, California<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Wednesday, Nov. 8, Hyattsville, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:7.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%;text-align:start">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Each session is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and end no later than 5 p.m. The sessions will be webcast live, transcribed, and made available for playback. All submissions,
regardless of the mode, are processed in the same manner. Additional details, including livestream information, will be added as they become available.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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</span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTA0Iiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTMxOTc5OTkiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9uaWZhLnVzZGEuZ292L25pZmFsaXN0ZW5zP3V0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxNzA5MTguNzgyOTQwNTEifQ.zeOzBy4VmXTby3LDusLKV6B8ccKjnFAvJhdBSbiEzgg"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0000EE">“NIFA
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Update</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">, a weekly compendium of news and information that may be of interest to land-grant and non-land-grant universities,
NIFA stakeholders, and other subscribers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#7D7D7D">September 19, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#7D7D7D">Dear Partners: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#7D7D7D">NIFA is diligently working to establish administrative relief for those in the hurricane related federally-declared disaster areas
who have NIFA grant and cooperative agreements. For those who have NIFA awards in the affected hurricane areas, we understand that you have immediate priorities. We want, therefore, to provide the maximum flexibility within our authority during these trying
times. We encourage you, at your earliest convenience, to reach out to your NIFA program contact so we can work directly with you.<br>
<br>
For those of you who may be applying to NIFA funding opportunities, the following guidance regarding late application submission applies:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">An application submitted or resubmitted after the deadline is late (an application is considered on time at 5:00.59 pm ET but it is late at
5:01 pm ET). Consideration of late applications is only given in extenuating circumstances (e.g., natural disasters, confirmed </span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAxIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIxNzM1NDE3MzMiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ3JhbnRzLmdvdi8_dXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDE3MDkxOS43ODMyODYwMSJ9.7vKuQlngSiNnIB2ywip8Plj4GaC98QBS7W7H0BHPrFg"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">Grants.gov</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"> outage)
with proper documentation and support of the agency contact (see Part VII of the request for applications; for the Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR) the Program Contacts are specified under subsection 1.5 of the SBIR Program Solicitation).<br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#7D7D7D;line-height:140%;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">The occurrence of one of these situations does not automatically ensure that a late application will be accepted (e.g., competitive review of
applications has already occurred). Any hurricane-affected applicant who will submit after a deadline is encouraged to contact the agency contact as soon as possible so we can give your late application consideration under an extenuating circumstance. Also
see “</span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAyIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTUyMDU3NzMiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9uaWZhLnVzZGEuZ292L3Jlc291cmNlL2xhdGUtYXBwbGljYXRpb24tY29uc2lkZXJhdGlvbj91dG1fY29udGVudD0mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fbmFtZT0mdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSZ1dG1fdGVybT0iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMTcwOTE5Ljc4MzI4NjAxIn0.cuZRefhPZXX_aMj5CNpNIViUyNSNUzdvqZtjdwTXzrw"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">Late
Application Consideration.</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">"<o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#7D7D7D">We sincerely hope for the safety of all affected by the hurricanes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#7D7D7D"> /s/<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:7.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#7D7D7D">Cynthia R. Montgomery, MPA<br>
Deputy Director<br>
National Institute of Food and Agriculture<br>
Office of Grants and Financial Management<br>
United States Department of Agriculture<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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to solve societal challenges. NIFA’s investments in transformative science directly support the long-term prosperity and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture.</span></i></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0F0F0F"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0F0F0F">USDA is an equal opportunity lender, provider, and employer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:18.0pt"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">NIFA Update, Sept. 20, 2017 -- Making a Difference -- for the World
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#4E4E4E">Sept. 20, 2017</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#4E4E4E"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<h1 style="line-height:110%"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:16.5pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0B5F91">Making a Difference<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"><img border="0" width="418" height="316" style="width:4.3541in;height:3.2916in" id="_x0000_i1033" src="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USDANIFA/2017/09/1551840/1525833/box-wood-blight_crop.jpg" alt="boxwood blight"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span class="gdp1"><i><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">C. pseudonaviculata white sporulation, Photo Credit: Margery Daughtrey, Cornell University</span></i></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Concerned About Boxwood Blight? Here Are Some Updated Management Tips<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), in conjunction with the National Plant Board, has released an updated version of its
</span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAxIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTYwNjc3MTMiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9ob3J0a25vd2xlZGdlY2VudGVyLm9yZy9nZXRhdHRhY2htZW50LzcwNjhjMzFmLWZlZTAtNDU0MS1iZjRhLWFjODkzNTBiZTk3Yi9Cb3h3b29kQmxpZ2h0Qk1QczIwMTcucGRmP2xhbmc9ZW4tVVMmdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDE3MDkyMC43ODQwNDg2MSJ9.gSWn1olkAUvh5UrvW5EfADAwx3svgGR-wIdjbrJzlAw"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">Boxwood
Blight Best Management Practices</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">, version 2.0, and is now available
online at </span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAyIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTYwNjc3MTciLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cDovL2hyaXJlc2VhcmNoLm9yZy9IUkkvUmVzZWFyY2hfUmVzdWx0cy9PdXRzaWRlX1RoZV9Cb3h3b29kLmFzcHg_dXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDE3MDkyMC43ODQwNDg2MSJ9.pZdRscXmrE-rp7xjZffxc0dl0ZmnB9pyLZT6sZHVwWE"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">HRIResearch.org</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">In 2012, the nursery and floriculture industry was still reeling from the discovery of boxwood blight (BB) in 2011. HRI quickly
established a fund dedicated to BB research and a BB working group composed of industry leaders and National Plant Board (NPB) representatives. Since 2012, the industry rallied behind a coalition of researchers dedicated to finding the best management strategies
for this disease. Resources to support these research efforts have come from different sources, including directly from the industry through the HRI grants program, the IR-4 Ornamental Horticulture Program administered by NIFA, and from the Farm Bill, Section
10007 funds administered by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Section 10007 has allocated nearly $3 million alone to BB.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">While researchers know of only three host plants for BB, economic impact is potentially quite large, with more than $20 million
annually in retail sales. Boxwood blight is confirmed in 24 states, with Illinois and Missouri being among the latest detections. There are a few states yet with significant boxwood production where the disease has not been confirmed, including Texas and Louisiana.
APHIS recently confirmed BB in Illinois. University of Illinois Extension personnel are confident that the infected plants did not likely originate from an Illinois nursery.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<h1 style="line-height:110%"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:16.5pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0B5F91">NIFA News<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Late Application Flexibility <o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">NIFA is diligently working to establish administrative relief for those in the hurricane related federally-declared disaster areas
who have NIFA grant and cooperative agreements. For those who have NIFA awards in the affected hurricane areas, we understand that you have immediate priorities. We want, therefore, to provide the maximum flexibility within our authority during these trying
times. We encourage you, at your earliest convenience, to reach out to your NIFA program contact so we can work directly with you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">For general questions about NIFA's policy on late applications read the "</span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAzIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTUyMDU3NzMiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9uaWZhLnVzZGEuZ292L3Jlc291cmNlL2xhdGUtYXBwbGljYXRpb24tY29uc2lkZXJhdGlvbj91dG1fY29udGVudD0mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fbmFtZT0mdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSZ1dG1fdGVybT0iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMTcwOTIwLjc4NDA0ODYxIn0.gUj8oQWiCMrgVU4VfYTQhHmghP69Krqner9ev9l02MY"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">Late
Application Consideration</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">," guidelines. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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Listens: Investing in Science to Transform Lives <o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">A Stakeholder Input Opportunity <o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">NIFA is accepting input from stakeholders regarding research, extension, and education priorities in food and agriculture. A series
of four in-person listening sessions hosted in different regions across the country and submission of written comments will offer two ways to share your thoughts and ideas. Stakeholder input received from both methods will be treated equally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">This listening opportunity allows stakeholders to provide feedback on the following questions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">What is your top priority in food and agricultural research, extension, or education that NIFA should address?<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#414141;line-height:140%;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">What are the most promising science opportunities for advancement of food and agricultural sciences?<o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">NIFA wants to hear from you about priorities and opportunities in agricultural sciences. This will help NIFA prioritize science
emphasis areas, identifying gaps in programming, and determining which programs are redundant or underperforming.
</span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTA0Iiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTMxOTc5OTkiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9uaWZhLnVzZGEuZ292L25pZmFsaXN0ZW5zP3V0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxNzA5MjAuNzg0MDQ4NjEifQ.jSRzVdHkJSzMFsqV805astpQxYQ2CZACnN84wL3JugQ"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">More
details</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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Nutrition Division Director<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">Dr. Paul Cotton was selected as the new Director for the Division of Nutrition with the Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition.
Cotton joined NIFA in May 2016 as national program leader for Public Health Nutrition. He previously served as assistant division director in the Division of Receipt and Referral, Center for Scientific, and as the program director and team leader at the National
Institute of Nursing Research both jobs with the National Institute of Health. Cotton started his federal service as a Category 4 scientist at the ARS Beltsville Human Nutrition Center, in 2000 after serving as faculty and staff at Howard University, where
he received his PhD in human nutrition. </span></span><a href="mailto:Paul.Cotton@nifa.usda.gov"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">Cotton
</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">is located in room 2382 and can be reached via telephone (202) 604-6176. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<h1 style="line-height:110%"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:16.5pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0B5F91">News for You<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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Awards $36.6 Million in New Food-Energy-Water System Grants <o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">The number of humans alive on our planet today is some 7.5 billion. By 2087, projections show, 11 billion people will be living
on Earth. How will we continue to have a sustainable supply of food, energy and water, and protect the ecosystems that provide essential "services" for humans?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">To help answer these questions, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has partnered with NIFA to award $46.6 million in new grants
through the joint NSF-NIFA program on Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy and Water Systems (INFEWS). NSF grants total $36.6 million; NIFA awards, $10 million. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">Researchers have found that food-energy-water systems are intricately linked to each other and to the planet’s ecosystems through
complex interactions. With an increasing human population, there is a growing need for new approaches to understanding these interactions and how they will respond to population growth, land-use change, climate change and other factors. Read the full
</span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTA1Iiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTYwNjc3MjEiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnNmLmdvdi9uZXdzL25ld3Nfc3VtbS5qc3A_Y250bl9pZD0yNDI5OTgmZnJvbT1uZXdzJm9yZz1OU0YmdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDE3MDkyMC43ODQwNDg2MSJ9.DDk4mM1K0eEP1BEMkLADJMg0WdN1tNidC5z3QI4nvqM"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">news
release</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">Photo Credit: T. Paris, University of Alaska Fairbanks.</span></i></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<h3 style="mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:110%">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Cover Crop Survey" style='position:absolute;margin-left:116.8pt;margin-top:0;width:168pt;height:202.5pt;z-index:251661312;mso-wrap-distance-left:5.25pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:5.25pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USDANIFA/2017/09/1552253/1525837/cover-crop_crop.jpg" />
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="224" height="270" style="width:2.3333in;height:2.8125in" src="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USDANIFA/2017/09/1552253/1525837/cover-crop_crop.jpg" align="right" hspace="7" alt="Cover Crop Survey" v:shapes="_x0000_s1029"><![endif]><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">SARE 2017
Cover Crop Survey Analysis<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">Farmers reported increased yields of corn, soybeans and wheat, and improved control of herbicide-resistant weeds, according to
a nationwide survey. In addition, the survey of 2,012 farmers showed acreage planted in cover crops has nearly doubled over the past five years. A full summary and the complete
</span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTA2Iiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTYwNjc3MjUiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cDovL3d3dy5zYXJlLm9yZy9MZWFybmluZy1DZW50ZXIvRnJvbS10aGUtRmllbGQvTm9ydGgtQ2VudHJhbC1TQVJFLUZyb20tdGhlLUZpZWxkLzIwMTctQ292ZXItQ3JvcC1TdXJ2ZXktQW5hbHlzaXM_dXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDE3MDkyMC43ODQwNDg2MSJ9.1rWeoOfBGCGKNZlolFBfem8nCVqMzGJE2VejrMY7-34"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">2017
Survey Report</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141"> is available online. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">This marks the fifth consecutive year in which the survey reported yield increases in corn and soybeans following cover crops.
Previous surveys are located on the </span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTA3Iiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTYwNjc3MjkiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cDovL3d3dy5zYXJlLm9yZy9MZWFybmluZy1DZW50ZXIvVG9waWMtUm9vbXMvQ292ZXItQ3JvcHMvQ292ZXItQ3JvcC1TdXJ2ZXlzP3V0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxNzA5MjAuNzg0MDQ4NjEifQ.F7gacz8IuBQ13SFVCpOyiu24VS05tXzMrpKgXElS-m4"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">SARE
website</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">. It is also the first year the survey team was able to calculate
the impact of cover crops on wheat yields.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0C5F91">Grants and RFA Announcements<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">Fiscal Year 2018 Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program RFA is now available for public viewing.
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RFA</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141">. Application Deadline:
<b>Dec. 4, 2017</b>. A synopsis of the funding opportunity is available via </span>
</span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTA5Iiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTMxODk2ODciLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ3JhbnRzLmdvdi93ZWIvZ3JhbnRzL3ZpZXctb3Bwb3J0dW5pdHkuaHRtbD9vcHBJZD0yOTczMzMmdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDE3MDkyMC43ODQwNDg2MSJ9.bXJ9r5lQKSpLpGpBB5w4szGqIDNeGLuS9nX7MKp5ckA"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">Grants.gov</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#414141"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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transformative science directly support the long-term prosperity and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture.</span></i></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:white"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0B5F91">Success stories<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">This edition celebrates “National Food Safety Month." Safe handling of food can reduce the risk of contracting a food borne illness.
Salmonella,<i> Listeria monocytogenes</i>, <i>Campylobacter</i> and <i>E.coli </i>
are common causes of foodborne outbreaks. Although <i>E.coli</i> is commonly found in both humans and animals intestines, some types can be harmful to humans. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Success stories for this issue were developed by NIFA's Pathways Intern, Lorraine Rodriguez Bonilla, a Ph.D. student at the
<b>University of Wisconsin</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="218" height="155" style="width:2.2708in;height:1.6145in" src="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USDANIFA/2017/09/1545019/1518734/istock-000002342243large_crop.jpg" align="left" hspace="7" alt="Image provided by iStock Fresh from the Field" v:shapes="_x0000_s1030"><![endif]><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">The
future of food processing disinfectants<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">With support from NIFA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), a research team from <b>University of California,</b>
Davis is developing new disinfection methods to reduce cross-contamination during food processing. While many traditional methods for disinfection exist; they do not completely remove or deactivate bacteria in protected structures called “biofilms."<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Antibacterial membranes are a new approach to reduce the formation of bacterial biofilms that cause outbreaks. These membranes can
inactivate pathogens like <i>Listeria moncytogenes</i> and pathogenic <i>E.coli</i> on contact, and prevent outbreaks in the food processing industry. The researchers found that these membranes afford continuous sanitation and disinfection of surfaces and
can be used as a lining material for many devices, including conveyor belts. These membranes may also affect the biomedical sciences and could be used in hospitals to prevent bacterial biofilm from forming.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Learn more at
</span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAxIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTYzODUwMTMiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cDovL2FlbS5hc20ub3JnL2NvbnRlbnQvZWFybHkvMjAxNy8wNy8yNC9BRU0uMDA5NzUtMTcubG9uZz91dG1fY29udGVudD0mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fbmFtZT0mdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSZ1dG1fdGVybT0iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMTcwOTIxLjc4NDM0NDgxIn0.Wu_3Y8olWv91KWa8lO6Rmayn4W7L99S_7jTZyqRpmEI"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4"> Applied
and Environmental Microbiology</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">. Image provided by iStock.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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as a way to reduce STEC contamination<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Shigatoxin-producing E.coli, also known as STEC, causes more than 260,000 illnesses, 3,000 hospitalizations, and 30 deaths each
year, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Scientists from
<b>Kansas State University</b> developed a series of free training modules, Translation of STEC: Mitigation to Field Implementation, to teach meat processors, producers, distributors and restaurant workers how to safely control STEC-related contamination. This
curriculum is offered in both English and Spanish, and consists of 11 modules targeting pre- and post-harvest STEC prevention in veal and beef. Some of the topics include pre-harvest operations of the feedlot, veal housing, and post-harvest operations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">NIFA supports the research through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Learn more at
</span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAyIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTYzODUwMTciLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW5pbWFsY2FyZXRyYWluaW5nLm9yZy9kZWZhdWx0LmFzcHg_YWN0aW9uPVBhY2thZ2VEZXRhaWwmdHlwZT1TVEVDJnV0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxNzA5MjEuNzg0MzQ0ODEifQ.4a2St2yxJ6_dayH5NVvCim5oXdG_Fu23l-NShIyS0Gg"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">Animal
Care Training</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">. Image provided by iStock.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0B5F91">News Coverage <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
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zero for Salmonella <o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Cows suffer from Salmonella-related illnesses just as much as people. Infected cows that carry Salmonella Cerro can produce contaminated
milk, and this can pose a risk for consumers and farm workers handling sick animals. Martin Wiedmann, a
<b>Cornell University</b> microbiologist, is working to solve the mystery and trace the origin of Salmonella Cerro. He employed a tool known as comparative genomics, which allows scientists to align and analyze DNA sequences from hundreds of genomes to identify
common traits as well as those acquired from other microbes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Comparative genomics allowed Wiedmann's team to identify point mutations – deviations from the DNA sequence that led them to the
common ancestor and a geographic origin of the Salmonella Cerro outbreak strain. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">NIFA supports the research through the Hatch Act funds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Read more at
</span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAzIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTYzODUwMjEiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cDovL3d3dy5zY2llbmNlZGlyZWN0LmNvbS9zY2llbmNlL2FydGljbGUvcGlpL1MwMTY1OTkzNjE3MzAxMTc2P3V0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxNzA5MjEuNzg0MzQ0ODEifQ.DF6RET02eFse4aGIpgRTakcv51r3n119xpHrlT9DhOM"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">Science
Direct</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">. Image provided by Martin Wiedmann.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0B5F91">The Library <o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
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safety toolbox<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Annually, over 800,000 Americans suffer from campylobacteriosis, an infectious diarrheal disease. Scientists from
<b>Iowa State University</b> developed an on-line toolbox that helps consumers, producers and processors to manage and reduce the incidence of human illness caused by
<i>Campylobacter jejuni</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">The resource provides tips to reduce campylobacteriosis in humans; on-farm risk assessment to identify production vulnerabilities;
and reduce carcass contamination in commercial and back-yard flocks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">NIFA supports the research through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Learn more at </span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTA0Iiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTYzODUwMjUiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYW1weXBvdWx0cnkub3JnLz91dG1fY29udGVudD0mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fbmFtZT0mdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSZ1dG1fdGVybT0iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMTcwOTIxLjc4NDM0NDgxIn0.XwGPS5-cB-8QXlPbj8u86wdUzZUxHGoAn1X_URCs07E"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">Campypoultry.org</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">.
Image provided by iStock.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0B5F91">Video<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
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<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Image provided by Dr. Sandria Godwin University of Tennessee" style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:186pt;height:105pt;z-index:251666432;mso-wrap-distance-left:5.25pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:5.25pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="248" height="140" style="width:2.5833in;height:1.4583in" src="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USDANIFA/2017/09/1544550/1518738/image-provided-by-dr-sandria-godwin-university-of-t_crop.jpg" align="left" hspace="7" alt="Image provided by Dr. Sandria Godwin University of Tennessee" v:shapes="_x0000_s1034"><![endif]><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">When
celebrities fail, scientific approach prevails <o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Julia Child was quoted, “Always remember, if you are alone in the kitchen and you drop the lamb, you can always just pick it up.
Who is going to know?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Millions of TV viewers who tune in to see their favorite celebrity chefs “kick it up a notch,” also pick up on their food safety
habits. In a recent study, a group of scientists led by Dr. Sandria Godwin at <b>
Tennessee State University</b> watched 100 episodes of cooking shows and graded TV chefs on their food safety habits. It turns out that TV celebrities are poor food safety role models. Some of their kitchen manners were downright dangerous: 79 percent of them
added food with their hands, only twelve percent of them were seen washing their hands after handling uncooked meats, 75 percent of celebrity chefs did not use thermometers to check doneness of meat dishes, and 25 percent of them used the same cutting boards
for prepping raw meats and ready-to-eat items. To help home cooks, Godwin's team developed an online cookbook, which incorporates clear food safety messages to improve food safety in the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">NIFA supports the research through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">Watch the
</span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTA1Iiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTYzODUwMjkiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXVyZWthbGVydC5vcmcvcHViX3JlbGVhc2VzLzIwMTYtMTIva3N1LWNjaDEyMTQxNi5waHA_dXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDE3MDkyMS43ODQzNDQ4MSJ9.1nVHAR_zBfg-XRf2sME3X1YaUZj4bMLxoIUwc8hgso0"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">Eureka
Alert video</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">. Image provided by Dr. Sandria Godwin- Tennessee State University.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:110%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0B5F91">Tweet of the Week<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
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that solve societal challenges. NIFA’s investments in transformative science directly support the long-term prosperity and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture. To learn more about NIFA’s impact on agricultural sciences, visit
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0F0F0F">USDA is an equal opportunity lender, provider, and employer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0F0F0F">Editor: </span></span><a href="mailto:fliles@nifa.usda.gov"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0076B4">Falita
Liles</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#0F0F0F"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:18.0pt"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Funding Opportunities Update
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#888888">09/22/2017
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<p style="line-height:13.5pt"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">You are subscribed to Funding Opportunities for USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This information has recently been
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<h3 align="right" style="text-align:right;line-height:13.5pt"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">September 22, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:120%"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAyIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTcwNzY5MDkiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9uaWZhLnVzZGEuZ292L2Z1bmRpbmctb3Bwb3J0dW5pdHkvZm9vZC1pbnNlY3VyaXR5LW51dHJpdGlvbi1pbmNlbnRpdmUtZmluaS1ncmFudC1wcm9ncmFtP3V0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxNzA5MjIuNzg1MTIzNzEifQ.zXofhLw9HsEnU577f8977X9doS2PVn9KKeprEx4_A1E" title="Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><b><span style="font-size:14.5pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Food
Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><b><span style="font-size:14.5pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
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<p><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">To support projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among low-income consumers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) by providing incentives at the point of purchase. The program will test strategies that could contribute to our understanding of how best to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants
that would inform future efforts, and develop effective and efficient benefit redemption technologies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">Who is eligible to apply: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">See Part III, Eligibility Information in the
</span></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTA0Iiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTcwNzY5MTciLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9uaWZhLnVzZGEuZ292L3NpdGVzL2RlZmF1bHQvZmlsZXMvcmZhL0ZZJTIwMjAxOCUyMEZJTklfRmluYWwucGRmP3V0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxNzA5MjIuNzg1MTIzNzEifQ.MmIy4tpOagZH8lfUVg5MrBYgXAqRD5RTUnP570MIHiM" title="Request for Applications"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Request
for Applications</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333"> (RFA) for details.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTA0Iiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTcwNzY5MTciLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9uaWZhLnVzZGEuZ292L3NpdGVzL2RlZmF1bHQvZmlsZXMvcmZhL0ZZJTIwMjAxOCUyMEZJTklfRmluYWwucGRmP3V0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxNzA5MjIuNzg1MTIzNzEifQ.MmIy4tpOagZH8lfUVg5MrBYgXAqRD5RTUnP570MIHiM" title="Request for Applications"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Request
for Applications</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTA1Iiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTcwNzY5MjUiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ3JhbnRzLmdvdi93ZWIvZ3JhbnRzL3ZpZXctb3Bwb3J0dW5pdHkuaHRtbD9vcHBJZD0yOTc2MzcmdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDE3MDkyMi43ODUxMjM3MSJ9.R_KMWhNqoYEUKkK6WesE_i39aTejLEbCIjwbjFo6m-8" title="Apply for Grant"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Apply
for Grant</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">Posted Date: Friday, September 22, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">Closing Date: Wednesday, December 13, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-FINI-006393<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">Estimated Total Program Funding: $21,000,000<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<h4 style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.05in;margin-left:0in;line-height:120%">
<span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><em><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">NIFA’s mission is to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. NIFA’s
investments in transformative science directly support the long-term prosperity and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture.</span></em></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:14.5pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h4>
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<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><em><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">USDA is an equal opportunity lender, provider, and employer.</span></em></span><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:18.0pt"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">USDA Announces Nutrition Incentives Funding and Bioeconomy Grants
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:gd_top"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#888888">09/22/2017
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<h2 align="center" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:110%">
<span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">USDA Announces Funding for Nutrition Incentives Programs and Grants to Develop Biobased Materials <o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:7.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%;text-align:start">
<span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Media contact: Sally Gifford, 202-720-2047<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:7.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%;text-align:start">
<b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">USDA Announces Funding to Help Low-Income Consumers Purchase Produce through Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentives</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:7.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%;text-align:start">
<span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sept. 22, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $21 million to help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) participants increase their purchases of fruits and vegetables by providing incentives at the point of purchase. The funding comes from the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) program, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Read the
<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAxIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTcxNTkxNzciLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9nby51c2EuZ292L3hSSkhiP3V0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxNzA5MjIuNzg1MTYyMTEifQ.EZtMkQBDbxLoDASsPwLLVxoU3bJ-MMioeD7sgwWkfJI">
<span style="color:#0000EE">full announcement </span></a>on the NIFA website.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">USDA Announces Support to Grow the Bioeconomy</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">WASHINGTON, D.C. Sept. 22, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced six grants totaling nearly $21.1 million to support the development
of new jet fuel, biobased products and biomaterials from renewable sources. Funding is made through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Read the
<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAyIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiIyNTcxNTkxODEiLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9nby51c2EuZ292L3hSSkhDP3V0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxNzA5MjIuNzg1MTYyMTEifQ.oVI_Se1QaTX3I7ygmt5h6mw53Ev52Yow2tiUXyUy5UI">
<span style="color:#0000EE">full announcement</span></a> on the NIFA website.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="gdp" style="mso-margin-top-alt:7.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:140%;text-align:start">
<span style="font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">NIFA’s mission is to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. NIFA’s investments in transformative science directly support the long-term prosperity
and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture. To learn more about NIFA’s impact on agricultural sciences, visit
<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImJhcmJhcmFoQGNhbHMuYXJpem9uYS5lZHUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoiMTAzIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6IjU2NjUwNTgxNiIsImxpbmtfaWQiOiI1NDkyOTQ1NyIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpkaWdlc3QiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm5pZmEudXNkYS5nb3YvSW1wYWN0cz91dG1fY29udGVudD0mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fbmFtZT0mdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSZ1dG1fdGVybT0iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMTcwOTIyLjc4NTE2MjExIn0.YN0a0TBvGjOXOFSb6smRZdn_WX9pN4ox2y-TAIx4Rf0">
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