The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) is taking a bold step towards securing the state's food supply chain by receiving a substantial $8 million grant from the USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program.
The program aims to enhance the middle section of the food supply chain, bridging the gap between farmers and consumers while bolstering small farms, food businesses, and value-added product development.
MDA will disburse these funds through competitive grants, facilitating investments in various aspects of local food production, such as aggregation, processing, storage, transportation, wholesale, and distribution.
To make informed decisions and identify the key challenges and requirements of the food supply chain, MDA is inviting public input until August 17. The valuable feedback will help shape the grant project plan and foster resilience within the state's food system. Interested individuals can share their insights and recommendations by visiting the official MDA website.
Meanwhile, in a groundbreaking development for both biomedical and agricultural realms, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a dual-benefit grant of $3 million to University of Missouri researcher, Associate Professor Kiho Lee.
His pioneering study will leverage gene-editing technology to delve into the fundamental aspects of diseases like Alzheimer's, cancer, and infertility. Driven by the desire to uncover crucial clinical explanations for these ailments, Professor Lee's work holds the promise of transformative breakthroughs in global food insecurity solutions.
The study will particularly focus on the CRISPR/Cas system, a cutting-edge genome editing technology, to refine gene-testing procedures and maximize the effectiveness of targeted genome editing events. The research encompasses three key objectives: detecting unintended outcomes from gene editing in genetically engineered pigs, preserving genome integrity during the editing process, and rapidly phenotyping genetically engineered pigs to ensure favorable agricultural and biomedical traits.
Professor Lee's dedication extends beyond the biomedical field, with a keen focus on enhancing pig welfare and augmenting food production to combat food scarcity. By applying gene-editing techniques to expedite the breeding of genetically engineered pigs, he aims to optimize food sustainability globally.
The collaboration between the University of Missouri and USDA-ARS scientist, Bethany Redel, highlights a shared commitment to advancing agricultural development and fostering innovative solutions for the future. This remarkable funding opportunity is part of the Dual Purpose with Dual Benefit program, a pioneering alliance between the NIH and the USDA.
Missouri is doing some amazing things. They are using gene editing to make big changes and improve their food supply chain. This means they can have healthier and more sustainable food for everyone. It's an exciting time for the future of Missouri and all the people living there.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Missouri, Business