Applying funds from the Sustainable Agricultural Systems Program, USDA has distributed $17 million to institutes to further research, education and extension to enhance sustainability and productivity.  Funding was provided by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).  Three of the seven projects, all funded at $10 million, include:

• Auburn University will evaluate controlled environment agriculture including greenhouses and indoor spaces.
• Michigan State University will apply advanced AI technology to decision making with respect to food access and security.  The goal of the project is apparently to reinforce regional and local food systems in the face of climate change and pandemics.
• University of Missouri will consider regional bio-economies and to promote cover crop use including production of seeds for cover crops.