The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public- and private-sector input on the most innovative technologies and practices that can be readily deployed across U.S. agriculture to further its work on the Agriculture Innovation Agenda. The agency is looking for ready-to-go technologies and practices to achieve its goal of increasing agricultural production by 40 percent to meet global population needs in 2050 while cutting U.S. agriculture’s environmental footprint in half.
“Across America, we have seen significant advances in agricultural production efficiency and conservation performance during the past two decades,” said Under Secretary Bill Northey, who leads USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation mission area. “We want to keep the momentum.”
Input is welcome from the private sector, not-for-profits, farmers, the forest sector, trade associations, commodity boards and others involved in the supply chain or development of widely applicable practices, management approaches or technologies.
An example of a ready-to-go practice, technology or management approach would be one that is fully developed, has been field tested and has completed independent research trials.
Based on stakeholder input, USDA will develop a comprehensive U.S. agriculture innovation technology strategy for its customer-facing programs.
The Agriculture Innovation Agenda is comprised of four main components. The first component is to develop a U.S. agriculture innovation strategy that aligns and synchronizes public- and private-sector research. The second component is to align the work of the USDA’s customer-facing agencies and integrate innovative technologies and practices into USDA programs. The third component is to conduct a review of USDA productivity and conservation data. Finally, USDA has set benchmarks to improve accountability. These targets will help measure progress toward meeting future food, fiber, fuel, feed and climate demands. The benchmarks address agricultural productivity, forest management, food loss and waste, carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas, water quality, renewable energy and more.
USDA will accept comments and input through Nov. 9. Submit input here.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture