The newly created Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR) was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) earlier this week. FFAR is designed to increase the scientific and technological research, innovation, and partnerships critical to boosting America’s agricultural economy.
Authorized by Congress as part of the 2014 Farm Bill, the foundation will operate as a non-profit corporation seeking and accepting private donations in order to fund research activities that focus on problems of national and international significance. Congress also provided $200 million for the foundation, which must be matched by non-federal funds as the Foundation identifies and approves projects, according to the USDA.
Studies have shown that every dollar invested in agricultural research creates $20 in economic activity, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said.
FFAR will concentrate on plant and animal health; food safety, nutrition and health; renewable energy, natural resources, and environment; agricultural and food security; and agriculture systems and technology.