25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. The Let's Move! "USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama's vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans." Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). The Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children's nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! "As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic," Vilsack said. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. ARS also compiles the "gold-standard" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States. The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the "Household Food Security in the United State, 2008" report. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation's research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices. www.Nutrition.gov   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations' strengths. In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. For more information about NCCOR, please visit www.nccor.org. Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. Learn more about this initiative by visiting www.LetsMove.gov. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. campaign.

# USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! ARS also compiles the "gold-standard" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States. The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the "Household Food Security in the United State, 2008" report. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation's research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov. 25, 2010 – Roger Beachy, director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced a new grant program to develop healthier food products for humanitarian assistance programs. “Millions of people around the world depend on food aid delivered by the United States for their survival every day,” Beachy said.  “It is our responsibility to make sure that in emergency situations, these people are receiving food that supplies them with the nutrients they need.”            NIFA’s Food Aid Nutritional Education Program (FANEP) supports the development and field testing of new ready-to-use foods, fortified blended foods, high-energy foods, micronutrient powders or other food products designed to improve the nutritional delivery and functional form of humanitarian food assistance.  Projects funded by FANEP may also field test existing food products that have not yet been approved for use in food aid programs. NIFA expects to release the request for applications for the program next month with a 60-day open period.  Approximately $3.8 million in grants will be awarded in Fiscal Year 2010 on a competitive basis.  Eligible applicants include state agricultural experiment stations and cooperative extension services, all colleges and universities, other research or education institutions and organizations, federal and private agencies and organizations and individuals who are U.S. Learn more about this initiative by visiting www.LetsMove.gov. campaign. In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices. www.Nutrition.gov   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations' strengths. More info is at the Grants.gov Web site. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). For more information about NCCOR, please visit www.nccor.org. The Let's Move! "USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama's vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans." Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. "As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic," Vilsack said. 25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. citizens or permanent residents.  Foreign entities are not eligible to apply; however, award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary to conduct the project. NIFA does not require cost-sharing or matching support for FANEP projects.  However, priority will be given to applications that demonstrate active partnership with and in-kind support from the private sector. FANEP is administered through Section 724 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriation Act (Public Law 111-80), which specified for a grant program to enhance the health of individuals, especially infants and young children, at risk for or suffering from malnutrition by further improving the nutritional content, product composition, packaging and other components of food products delivered through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program and the Food for Peace Title II humanitarian assistance programs. Before applying, applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process, which can take as long as two weeks for new applicants. The Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children's nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. For more information about NCCOR, please visit www.nccor.org. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices. www.Nutrition.gov   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations' strengths.   "Beginning farmers and ranchers are critical to creating rural prosperity in the United States, but they face unique challenges and require education and assistance to ensure their profitability and sustainability,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. The Let's Move! In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. "As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic," Vilsack said. This is the second year of the program, established by the Section 7410 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.  The Act also makes $19 million available in fiscal years 2011 and 2012.  In FY 2009, BFRDP made 29 awards for approximately $17 million. Priority will be given to projects that are partnerships and collaborations led by or including nongovernmental and community-based organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer training and outreach.  All applicants are required to provide funds or in-kind support from non-federal sources in an amount that is at least equal to twenty-five percent of the federal funds requested. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! 17, 2010 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of more than $18 million in grants to help train, educate and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). 25, 2010 – Roger Beachy, director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced a new grant program to develop healthier food products for humanitarian assistance programs. “Millions of people around the world depend on food aid delivered by the United States for their survival every day,” Beachy said.  “It is our responsibility to make sure that in emergency situations, these people are receiving food that supplies them with the nutrients they need.”            NIFA’s Food Aid Nutritional Education Program (FANEP) supports the development and field testing of new ready-to-use foods, fortified blended foods, high-energy foods, micronutrient powders or other food products designed to improve the nutritional delivery and functional form of humanitarian food assistance.  Projects funded by FANEP may also field test existing food products that have not yet been approved for use in food aid programs. NIFA expects to release the request for applications for the program next month with a 60-day open period.  Approximately $3.8 million in grants will be awarded in Fiscal Year 2010 on a competitive basis.  Eligible applicants include state agricultural experiment stations and cooperative extension services, all colleges and universities, other research or education institutions and organizations, federal and private agencies and organizations and individuals who are U.S. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Learn more about this initiative by visiting www.LetsMove.gov. “These grants will provide training the America’s next generation of farmers and ranchers need to succeed.” BFRDP is an education, training, technical assistance and outreach program designed to help U.S. farmers and ranchers -specifically those who have been farming or ranching for 10 years or less. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C.  NIFA will make grants available to organizations to design programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers.  Project results are expected to be disseminated widely to all farmers.  Proposals are due April 6, and applications are available on the NIFA Web site.  For standard projects, NIFA is looking for proposals in these areas: Mentoring, apprenticeships and internships Resources and referrals Assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers Innovative farm and ranch transfer strategies Entrepreneurship and business training Model land leasing contracts Financial management training Whole farm planning Conservation assistance Risk management education Diversification and marketing strategies Curriculum development Understanding the impact of concentration and globalization Basic livestock and crop farming practices Acquisition and management of agricultural credit Environmental compliance Information processing   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future.  More information is at: www.nifa.usda.gov. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. citizens or permanent residents.  Foreign entities are not eligible to apply; however, award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary to conduct the project. NIFA does not require cost-sharing or matching support for FANEP projects.  However, priority will be given to applications that demonstrate active partnership with and in-kind support from the private sector. FANEP is administered through Section 724 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriation Act (Public Law 111-80), which specified for a grant program to enhance the health of individuals, especially infants and young children, at risk for or suffering from malnutrition by further improving the nutritional content, product composition, packaging and other components of food products delivered through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program and the Food for Peace Title II humanitarian assistance programs. Before applying, applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process, which can take as long as two weeks for new applicants.   In fiscal year 2010, only standard projects and a few educational enhancement teams will be funded.  All projects will be limited to three years. campaign. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. The Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children's nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. More info is at the Grants.gov Web site. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. "USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama's vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans." Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation's research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON – Feb. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). ARS also compiles the "gold-standard" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States. The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the "Household Food Security in the United State, 2008" report. Budget requests in the proposals must not exceed $250,000 per year. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov.

25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. 22, 2010 when NIFA released a Federal Register notice asking for comments and nominations for shortage situations from the chief animal health official from each state and insular area and appropriate federal animal health officials.  Guidance on what constitutes a shortage situation and nomination forms can be found on the NIFA Web site.  Nomination forms are due March 8, and can be returned via email to vmlrp@nifa.usda.gov. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices. www.Nutrition.gov   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations' strengths. Congress established the VMLRP as a way to remedy this growing need. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. NIFA will convene a panel of federal and state animal health experts to recommend submitted nomination packages for official designation as a veterinary shortage situation.  The public will be able to review designated veterinary shortage situations in list and/or map form, along with information describing the nature of the shortage situation.  NIFA expects to begin accepting applications from veterinarians wishing to participate in the program on April 30, 2010.  In return for a commitment of three years of veterinary services in a designated veterinary shortage area, NIFA may repay up to $25,000 of student loan debt per year.  Loan repayment benefits are limited to payments of the principal and interest on government and commercial loans received for the attendance at an accredited college of veterinary medicine resulting in a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or the equivalent.  NIFA projects applications will be due June 30, and that offers will be made by September 30. Veterinarians are critical to the national food safety and food security infrastructures, and to the health and well-being of both animals and humans; however, major studies indicate significant and growing shortages of food supply veterinarians and veterinarians serving in certain other high priority specialty areas.  A leading cause for this shortage is the heavy cost of four years of professional veterinary medical training, which can average between $130,000 and $140,000. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention. Budget requests in the proposals must not exceed $250,000 per year. 25, 2010 – Roger Beachy, director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced a new grant program to develop healthier food products for humanitarian assistance programs. “Millions of people around the world depend on food aid delivered by the United States for their survival every day,” Beachy said.  “It is our responsibility to make sure that in emergency situations, these people are receiving food that supplies them with the nutrients they need.”            NIFA’s Food Aid Nutritional Education Program (FANEP) supports the development and field testing of new ready-to-use foods, fortified blended foods, high-energy foods, micronutrient powders or other food products designed to improve the nutritional delivery and functional form of humanitarian food assistance.  Projects funded by FANEP may also field test existing food products that have not yet been approved for use in food aid programs. NIFA expects to release the request for applications for the program next month with a 60-day open period.  Approximately $3.8 million in grants will be awarded in Fiscal Year 2010 on a competitive basis.  Eligible applicants include state agricultural experiment stations and cooperative extension services, all colleges and universities, other research or education institutions and organizations, federal and private agencies and organizations and individuals who are U.S.   In fiscal year 2010, only standard projects and a few educational enhancement teams will be funded.  All projects will be limited to three years. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 17, 2010 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of more than $18 million in grants to help train, educate and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). Learn more about this initiative by visiting www.LetsMove.gov. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). More info is at the Grants.gov Web site. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. “These grants will provide training the America’s next generation of farmers and ranchers need to succeed.” BFRDP is an education, training, technical assistance and outreach program designed to help U.S. 12, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA had taken the first step toward implementing a plan to address veterinary shortages throughout rural America by repaying the student loans of qualified veterinarians in return for their services in areas suffering from a lack of veterinarians. “USDA can help ensure there is a first line of defense against animal diseases across the United States by placing qualified veterinarians in areas where there is a critical need,” Vilsack said.  “This program will help reduce veterinary shortages, especially in the area of food animal medicine, which will reduce stress on producers and improve the health of the livestock industry.” USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), which was established in the National Veterinary Medical Services Act of 2003.  NIFA issued an interim rule for the program on July 9, 2009.  Implementation of the program began on Jan. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. campaign. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation's research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. This is the second year of the program, established by the Section 7410 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.  The Act also makes $19 million available in fiscal years 2011 and 2012.  In FY 2009, BFRDP made 29 awards for approximately $17 million. Priority will be given to projects that are partnerships and collaborations led by or including nongovernmental and community-based organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer training and outreach.  All applicants are required to provide funds or in-kind support from non-federal sources in an amount that is at least equal to twenty-five percent of the federal funds requested. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov.   "Beginning farmers and ranchers are critical to creating rural prosperity in the United States, but they face unique challenges and require education and assistance to ensure their profitability and sustainability,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director. "USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama's vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans." Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. citizens or permanent residents.  Foreign entities are not eligible to apply; however, award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary to conduct the project. NIFA does not require cost-sharing or matching support for FANEP projects.  However, priority will be given to applications that demonstrate active partnership with and in-kind support from the private sector. FANEP is administered through Section 724 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriation Act (Public Law 111-80), which specified for a grant program to enhance the health of individuals, especially infants and young children, at risk for or suffering from malnutrition by further improving the nutritional content, product composition, packaging and other components of food products delivered through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program and the Food for Peace Title II humanitarian assistance programs. Before applying, applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process, which can take as long as two weeks for new applicants. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. ARS also compiles the "gold-standard" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States. The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the "Household Food Security in the United State, 2008" report. farmers and ranchers -specifically those who have been farming or ranching for 10 years or less. campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON – Feb.  For standard projects, NIFA is looking for proposals in these areas: Mentoring, apprenticeships and internships Resources and referrals Assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers Innovative farm and ranch transfer strategies Entrepreneurship and business training Model land leasing contracts Financial management training Whole farm planning Conservation assistance Risk management education Diversification and marketing strategies Curriculum development Understanding the impact of concentration and globalization Basic livestock and crop farming practices Acquisition and management of agricultural credit Environmental compliance Information processing   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future.  More information is at: www.nifa.usda.gov. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C.  NIFA will make grants available to organizations to design programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers.  Project results are expected to be disseminated widely to all farmers.  Proposals are due April 6, and applications are available on the NIFA Web site. The Let's Move! The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. The Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children's nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). "As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic," Vilsack said. For more information about NCCOR, please visit www.nccor.org. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov.

Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). Finally, these programs play a critical role in global climate change and environmental stewardship by promoting the reduction of green house gases emissions, the release of nitrogen and phosphorus into the environment through improved systems of livestock management and more efficient use of nutrients fed to animals. Fiscal Year 2009 grants were awarded to: Animal Reproduction Program Colorado State University, Ft. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. citizens or permanent residents.  Foreign entities are not eligible to apply; however, award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary to conduct the project. NIFA does not require cost-sharing or matching support for FANEP projects.  However, priority will be given to applications that demonstrate active partnership with and in-kind support from the private sector. FANEP is administered through Section 724 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriation Act (Public Law 111-80), which specified for a grant program to enhance the health of individuals, especially infants and young children, at risk for or suffering from malnutrition by further improving the nutritional content, product composition, packaging and other components of food products delivered through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program and the Food for Peace Title II humanitarian assistance programs. Before applying, applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process, which can take as long as two weeks for new applicants. Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. This is the second year of the program, established by the Section 7410 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.  The Act also makes $19 million available in fiscal years 2011 and 2012.  In FY 2009, BFRDP made 29 awards for approximately $17 million. Priority will be given to projects that are partnerships and collaborations led by or including nongovernmental and community-based organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer training and outreach.  All applicants are required to provide funds or in-kind support from non-federal sources in an amount that is at least equal to twenty-five percent of the federal funds requested. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Collins, Colo., $340,000 Colorado State University, Ft. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). More info is at the Grants.gov Web site. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future.   In fiscal year 2010, only standard projects and a few educational enhancement teams will be funded.  All projects will be limited to three years. "As a leader in studying the role of foods and nutrition in childhood obesity, USDA can strengthen this collaboration and add valuable knowledge and considerable resources to combat this epidemic," Vilsack said. 2, 2010 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $24 million in grants to study animal heath, reproduction, breeding, genetics and nutrition. 25, 2010 - USDA has joined the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration to accelerate progress on preventing and reversing the childhood obesity epidemic. Collins, Colo., $349,082 University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $349,260 Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind., $315,000 Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $349,782 North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $10,000 North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $28,633 North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $320,000 Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $325,000 University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn., $349,503 University of Texas, Austin, Texas, $325,000 Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $338,086 Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $349,287 University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, Texas, $124,610 West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $337,835 West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $330,000 University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo., $25,000   Animal Genome, Genetics, and Breeding Program Auburn University, Auburn, Ala.,   $800,000 Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., $970,000 University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., $388,343 University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill., $10,000 Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, $449,939 Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $341,755 Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $625,000 Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Md., $749,975 University of Maryland, College Park, Md., $681,145 Agricultural Research Service, USDA, East Lansing, Mich.,  $625,000 Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $443,491 Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $689,921 University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., $10,000 University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., $130,000 North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., $749,502 Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $450,000 Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $597,902 Utah State University, Logan, Utah, $930,000 Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, Va., $908,280 University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc., $449,747   Animal Growth and Nutrient Utilization Program Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., $348,836 University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., $349,326 California State University, Fresno, Calif., $349,560 University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Fla., $350,000 University of Idaho, Moscow, Id., $137,829 Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, $349,421 University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky., $149,707 Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $349,983 Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $350,000 Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla., $125,000 Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $349,476 Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $349,992 South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D., $319,883 Utah State University, Logan, Utah, $260,987 West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $350,000 University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo., $10,000   Integrated Solutions for Animal Agriculture Program University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $1,000,000 University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill., $900,000 University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt., $470,894 Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., $629,106 University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc., $1,000,000   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation’s future. In this and future years, NIFA activities will be coordinated with other NCCOR granting activities to achieve maximum effectiveness. The announcement continues the commitment of the Obama Administration to address childhood obesity within a generation and follows the launch of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! 25, 2010 – Roger Beachy, director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced a new grant program to develop healthier food products for humanitarian assistance programs. “Millions of people around the world depend on food aid delivered by the United States for their survival every day,” Beachy said.  “It is our responsibility to make sure that in emergency situations, these people are receiving food that supplies them with the nutrients they need.”            NIFA’s Food Aid Nutritional Education Program (FANEP) supports the development and field testing of new ready-to-use foods, fortified blended foods, high-energy foods, micronutrient powders or other food products designed to improve the nutritional delivery and functional form of humanitarian food assistance.  Projects funded by FANEP may also field test existing food products that have not yet been approved for use in food aid programs. NIFA expects to release the request for applications for the program next month with a 60-day open period.  Approximately $3.8 million in grants will be awarded in Fiscal Year 2010 on a competitive basis.  Eligible applicants include state agricultural experiment stations and cooperative extension services, all colleges and universities, other research or education institutions and organizations, federal and private agencies and organizations and individuals who are U.S. For more information about NCCOR, please visit www.nccor.org. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. agricultural receipts in 2009. “The agriculture animal industry faces increasing challenges from animal diseases, reduced fertility, low nutrition and growth and non-tariff trade barriers,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director.  “These grants will help the United States maintain a strong, internationally-competitive animal agriculture industry and lead to safer and more affordable animal products.” NIFA awarded these grants through four program areas of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI): Animal Reproduction Program; Animal Genome, Genetics, and Breeding Program; Animal Growth and Nutrient Utilization Program; and Integrated Solutions for Animal Agriculture Program.  AFRI funds research, education, and extension grants and integrated research, extension, and education grants that address key problems of national, regional and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of agriculture. Animal programs at NIFA address several critical issues, including children’s health, food safety, international food security, and environmental protection.  They help reduce childhood obesity and improving human nutrition by providing higher quality sources of animal protein with reduced fat contents while making efforts to reduce the dependency of the feeding and use of antibiotics and hormones to domestic animals. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. The agriculture animal industry plays a crucial role in the success and growth of the nation’s economy, accounting for 42 percent of forecast U.S. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C.  NIFA will make grants available to organizations to design programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers.  Project results are expected to be disseminated widely to all farmers.  Proposals are due April 6, and applications are available on the NIFA Web site. "USDA welcomes this important opportunity for a dynamic research partnership that exemplifies President Obama's vision of federal and non-profit leaders working together to improve the health of all Americans." Through the Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA will coordinate its research programs with NIH, CDC and RWJF to ensure effective and efficient use of resources for solving the childhood obesity epidemic. USDA research efforts to reduce childhood obesity include: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will fund approximately $25 million in competitive research grants in 2010 that focus on childhood obesity prevention.  For standard projects, NIFA is looking for proposals in these areas: Mentoring, apprenticeships and internships Resources and referrals Assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers Innovative farm and ranch transfer strategies Entrepreneurship and business training Model land leasing contracts Financial management training Whole farm planning Conservation assistance Risk management education Diversification and marketing strategies Curriculum development Understanding the impact of concentration and globalization Basic livestock and crop farming practices Acquisition and management of agricultural credit Environmental compliance Information processing   Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future.  More information is at: www.nifa.usda.gov. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. campaign will combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach that builds on effective strategies, and mobilizes public and private sector resources. ARS also compiles the "gold-standard" database on the nutrient composition of foods and partners with the Department of Health and Human Services on the only nationally representative food consumption and health evaluation survey in the United States. The Economic Research Service (ERS) recently released the Food Environment Atlas (an online mapping tool) and the "Household Food Security in the United State, 2008" report. Learn more about this initiative by visiting www.LetsMove.gov. NIFA will convene a panel of federal and state animal health experts to recommend submitted nomination packages for official designation as a veterinary shortage situation.  The public will be able to review designated veterinary shortage situations in list and/or map form, along with information describing the nature of the shortage situation.  NIFA expects to begin accepting applications from veterinarians wishing to participate in the program on April 30, 2010.  In return for a commitment of three years of veterinary services in a designated veterinary shortage area, NIFA may repay up to $25,000 of student loan debt per year.  Loan repayment benefits are limited to payments of the principal and interest on government and commercial loans received for the attendance at an accredited college of veterinary medicine resulting in a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or the equivalent.  NIFA projects applications will be due June 30, and that offers will be made by September 30. Veterinarians are critical to the national food safety and food security infrastructures, and to the health and well-being of both animals and humans; however, major studies indicate significant and growing shortages of food supply veterinarians and veterinarians serving in certain other high priority specialty areas.  A leading cause for this shortage is the heavy cost of four years of professional veterinary medical training, which can average between $130,000 and $140,000. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). The Let's Move! 17, 2010 – USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of more than $18 million in grants to help train, educate and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). The programs also work to ensure a safer food supply by targeting the reduction in pre-harvest food borne pathogens. These reports, along with other ERS research, examine indicators of annual per capita food supplies, analyzes and reports food expenditures and conducts research that examines dietary quality, nutrient intake and the effects of government programs, nutrition knowledge and economic and socio-demographic factors on consumer dietary choices. www.Nutrition.gov   NCCOR is motivated by a sense of urgency to reverse the tide of childhood obesity, especially in those populations and communities at highest risk, and strives to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and application of research findings on childhood obesity by building upon member organizations' strengths. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov. Budget requests in the proposals must not exceed $250,000 per year. Efforts are focused on strengthening the nation's research tools and infrastructure, discovering what works and communicating and spreading effective interventions more rapidly. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Congress established the VMLRP as a way to remedy this growing need. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. campaign. Furthermore, they contribute significantly to international food security by supporting research to reduce the incidence of diseases in animals and improving the production efficiency of agriculturally important animals. 22, 2010 when NIFA released a Federal Register notice asking for comments and nominations for shortage situations from the chief animal health official from each state and insular area and appropriate federal animal health officials.  Guidance on what constitutes a shortage situation and nomination forms can be found on the NIFA Web site.  Nomination forms are due March 8, and can be returned via email to vmlrp@nifa.usda.gov. Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON, Feb. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) launched NCCOR in February 2009. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov. The Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Human Nutrition Research Program annually commits approximately $28 million to obesity prevention research, and two internationally recognized ARS research centers focus on children's nutrition with an emphasis on childhood obesity prevention. Collins, Colo., $125,000 Colorado State University, Ft. Media Contact: Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188 WASHINGTON – Feb. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov. “These grants will provide training the America’s next generation of farmers and ranchers need to succeed.” BFRDP is an education, training, technical assistance and outreach program designed to help U.S.   "Beginning farmers and ranchers are critical to creating rural prosperity in the United States, but they face unique challenges and require education and assistance to ensure their profitability and sustainability,” said Roger Beachy, NIFA director. 12, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA had taken the first step toward implementing a plan to address veterinary shortages throughout rural America by repaying the student loans of qualified veterinarians in return for their services in areas suffering from a lack of veterinarians. “USDA can help ensure there is a first line of defense against animal diseases across the United States by placing qualified veterinarians in areas where there is a critical need,” Vilsack said.  “This program will help reduce veterinary shortages, especially in the area of food animal medicine, which will reduce stress on producers and improve the health of the livestock industry.” USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), which was established in the National Veterinary Medical Services Act of 2003.  NIFA issued an interim rule for the program on July 9, 2009.  Implementation of the program began on Jan. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. farmers and ranchers -specifically those who have been farming or ranching for 10 years or less.