USDA AWARDS MORE THAN $13 MILLION TO IMPROVE FOOD SAFETY THROUGH RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND EXTENSION
WASHINGTON, October 1, 2008 - Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced $13.8 million awarded to support research, education and outreach for food safety. USDA awarded the grants in 19 states through the National Integrated Food Safety Initiative.
"Most often, the prevention of food-borne illnesses comes through education and safe handling practices in the preparation of food," said Schafer. "Sound advice about food safety is based on good research to pinpoint potential pathways of contamination as well as effective solutions and safeguards."
Each year, USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) awards National Integrated Food Safety Initiative (NIFSI) grant funds so that sound, practical, science-based knowledge can be shared among teachers, scientists, health professionals, researchers, farmers, food processors, food service workers and all who impact the safety of the U.S. food supply. NIFSI grant funds are frequently used to develop education and outreach programs for consumers.
Researchers at Cornell University will receive $1,636,366 to investigate ways to reduce the risk of contamination of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables in the fields, at harvest, and during transportation, display and purchase. Project descriptions can be found online at www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/food/pdfs/.
Fiscal Year 2008 NIFSI grants were awarded to:
Institution
Amount
University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff
$100,000
University of Arkansas
$599,521
Colorado State University
$579,612
University of Delaware
$596,847
University of Florida
$50,000
University of Georgia
$599,414
University of Hawaii
$487,619
Illinois Institute of Technology
$590,942
University of Illinois - Chicago
$599,042
University of Maryland – College Park
$599,264
Michigan State University
$50,000
Michigan State University
$600,000
Michigan State University
$558,764
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
$599,503
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
$50,000
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
$599,985
Cornell University
$1,636,366
North Carolina State University
$600,000
North Carolina State University
$364,626
North Carolina State University
$592,226
Ohio State University
$50,000
Oregon State University
$407,072
Pennsylvania State University
$555,819
Clemson University
$577,061
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
$597,399
Texas Tech University
$599,840
Virginia Tech
$584,224
Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, CSREES focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit www.csrees.usda.gov.
