Washington, DC
February 3, 2009
USDA's
Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) today announced
$4.4 million in grants to 14 universities to conduct research
aimed at developing ecologically and economically rational
strategies for management, control or elimination of weedy or
invasive species.
“Developing research-based information on controlling and
managing weedy and invasive species is critical for America's
farmers and ranchers,” said Katherine Smith, USDA Acting Deputy
Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics. “Exotic,
invasive species are a particularly prevalent feature of
agroecosystems and a major threat to food and fiber production.”
Approximately 50,000 species of plants and animals have been
introduced into the United States resulting in more than $100
billion in losses and damage each year. Invasive species
threaten biodiversity, habitat quality and ecosystems. Exotic,
invasive species are a major threat to food and fiber
production. Increased globalization and climate change will
likely increase the introduction, spread and impact of invasive
species.
The awards are administered through the CSREES National Research
Initiative (NRI) Biology of Weedy and Invasive Species in
Agroecosystems competitive grant program.
The grant program has awarded more than $20 million in grants
over the past five years. Funded projects include work at
Colorado State University to develop ecological and economic
risk assessment decision tools for management of cheatgrass
invasions. Scientists at the University of Central Florida will
study the biological and economic impacts of two invasive
mussels on oyster populations. University of Washington
researchers will study the indirect impacts of the invasive
brown tree snake on forests and agriculture in Guam.
The fiscal year 2008 grants are being awarded to:
• University of Arkansas,
$399,963
• University of California - Berkeley, $350,514
• Colorado State University, $497,496
• University of Colorado, $499,851
• University of Central Florida, $370,239
• Boise State University, $99,929
• University of Idaho, $499,997
• Montana State University, $490,987
• University of Nevada $99,988
• North Carolina State University, $10,000
• Clemson University, $318,476
• South Dakota State University, $158,303
• Trinity University, $205,000
• University of Washington, $399,294
CSREES' NRI program is the largest
peer reviewed, competitive grants program at USDA. Its purpose
is to support research, extension and education grants that
address key problems of national, regional and multi-state
importance in sustaining all components of agriculture. The 2008
Farm Bill did not renew the NRI, but did authorize the creation
of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). More
information about AFRI can be found online at
www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/afri/pdfs/program_announcement.pdf.
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. |
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