USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to hold stakeholder listening sessions on investing in ag sciences

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is soliciting stakeholder input regarding investments in food and agricultural sciences through the “NIFA Listens: Investing in Science to Transform Lives” initiative. 

“We invite our stakeholders, scientists, and organizations from across the U.S. agriculture system and beyond to provide their input,” said NIFA Acting Director Tom Shanower. “These sessions provide a chance for any interested party to help ensure NIFA’s research, education, and extension investments effectively and efficiently support the long-term prosperity and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture.”

During the listening sessions, NIFA is asking for stakeholder input on the following questions:

• “In your field, what is the most-needed breakthrough in science/technology that would advance your agricultural enterprise?”
• “When considering all of agriculture, what is the greatest challenge that should be addressed through NIFA’s research, education and extension?”
• “What is your top priority in food and agricultural research, extension or education that NIFA should address?”

Four regional in-person listening sessions will be conducted:

• 11, Hartford, Conn. (RSVP by Oct. 4)
• 18, New Orleans, La. (RSVP by Oct. 11)
• 25, Minneapolis, Minn. (RSVP by Oct. 18)
• 1, Albuquerque, N.M. (RSVP by Oct. 25)

USDA said each session is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and end no later than 5 p.m. A live webcast will be available for each session, transcribed, and made available for playback. Session attendees must register via NIFA Listens website. Written comments may be provided electronically through the stakeholder input form on the website or emailed to NIFAlistens@nifa.usda.gov until Nov. 30.