Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR)

This interview details the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, a non-profit company based in the United States. The interview is with John Reich, Ph.D., Scientific Program Director at the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research.

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What are some of the biggest challenges facing the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) in the future?

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FFAR funds research that advances tools, technologies, and strategies to support farmer productivity and sustainability. 

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We do this by accelerating food and agriculture research to deliver agile solutions that address large-scale challenges. We’re collaborating with academic, industry, governmental, and nonprofit partners to secure investments that propel science into application. These partnerships convene experts from all sectors to initiate discoveries that solve major food and agriculture challenges. 

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We consult with farmers to ensure we fund research that has real-world applications. By including farmers at every stage of the process and our unique connections to the public sector, we invest in research that addresses current problems farmers face while considering commercialization. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers, and the environment.  

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By continuing to develop innovative ways to bring public funding to the table to build robust public-private partnerships, we’re bolstering the return on investment of public funds.

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What is unique about the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research compared to other similar entities?

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FFAR has a unique, successful model. We’re one of the only Foundations that build public-private partnerships to advance food and agriculture research. This gives us a significant  return on investment for taxpayers as we can multiply public dollars with funds matched by the private sector. 

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By using this unique funding model, we’re able to fund pioneering research that fills critical research gaps. We build Consortia that brings partners, sometimes even competitors, together for the common good and goal of tackling challenges in food and agriculture.

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We prepare today’s scientific workforce to address the food and agriculture challenges of tomorrow. Pioneering science is only possible with a diverse, creative scientific workforce. We have fellowship, grant and award programs to recognize scientific leaders, provide unique research opportunities, support young faculty and inspire the next generation of scientists.

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What are some trends in the food and agriculture industry you are seeing from your vantage point?

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In the research world more attention is being paid to holistic approaches and system levels solutions. We have several programs and projects that are looking at this approach and that we’re excited about. A few to highlight:

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• We’re partnering with Wageningen University & Research on the Nature-Based Futures Challenges, which aims to mitigate climate change effects in delta regions, which are critical for food production, by using solutions that work with the environment to improve effects of climate change.
• FFAR has funded a cohort of projects looking at nutritional security and targeting different aspects of the food system. This program aims to understand leverage points for change that can tip the system from nutritional insecurity to nutritional security.

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FFAR funds swine biosecurity research in partnership with the Swine Health Information Center’s (SHIC) and the Pork Checkoff to safeguard the U.S. pork industry, including robotic barn washing systems; automated, self-administering, needle-free pig vaccines; and a radio-frequency-identification-based real-time automated monitoring system that captures farm employee compliance behaviors, such as boot and hand sanitizing techniques.

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Any predictions for future technology directions or market trends?

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Knowledge and technology that help us transition to a greener economy and that help mitigate climate impacts are going to be important. This includes knowledge and tech that increases the economic viability of business models that have positive environmental impacts. For instance, as the food and ag sector continues adapting to a changing world, understanding how different resources (energy, water, land, etc) will be used, the competition for these resources, and how to produce/recycle these resources will be of great important.

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At FFAR, we’re consistently working to be nimble and innovative. We’ve recently completed a refresh on our research strategy to remain current and ensure our research investments meet stakeholder needs. We welcomed comments from a wide range of stakeholders to help us develop a deep understanding and assess the state of food and agriculture to identify where research investments can best address major challenges today and tomorrow. We’re excited about our Research Refresh and anticipate its completion in the next few months.

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How can people connect with you or learn more about the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research?

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By visiting our website and signing up for our newsletter to stay up to date on open opportunities and news. You can follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

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