The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has earmarked $7.6 million for research projects focused on leveraging data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture. The funding aims to enhance crop yields and improve animal farming practices.
Research Focus and Objectives
NIFA’s Data Science for Food and Agricultural Systems (DSFAS) programme centres on the confluence of data science and AI with agricultural practices. The initiative aims to bolster resource management and facilitate the integration of emerging technologies. By doing so, DSFAS seeks to advance the efficiency and competitiveness of U.S. food and agricultural enterprises, according to a NIFA press release.
Funding Distribution and Eligibility
NIFA has already disbursed a portion of the allocated funds to 13 organisations and academic institutions across the United States. However, the agency is also open to research proposals from collaborations between public and private sectors, extending an invitation for broader participation in the programme.
A diagram from NIFA, detailing the present beneficiaries of the funding and providing further insights into their data research initiatives, can be accessed here.
