Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced Colby College was awarded a $10 million federal grant for sustainable agriculture research. The grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Sustainable Agricultural Systems program, will fund a Colby College research project that has the long-term goal of increasing profitability of dairy and algae production and stimulating rural economic development by improving efficiencies in milk production and quality, reducing greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions, recycling nutrients through algae production, and minimizing risks to food safety.

“Sustainable agriculture is a key component of fighting the climate crisis. Finding new ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving production will not only benefit the environment, but will have positive impacts on the rural economy and the lives of all Americans,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “Colby College’s innovative research will tackle the very real and present dangers of climate change and fuel practical, efficient farming practices. I’m grateful the USDA understands the importance of sustainable agriculture and is making investments in science, research, and climate-smart solutions.”

Colby College’s project is among the 15 funded through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s (AFRI) Sustainable Agricultural Systems program in the third round of funding, which totals more than $146 million. The Sustainable Agricultural Systems program focuses on a broad base of needed research solutions from addressing labor challenges and promoting land stewardship to correcting climate change impacts in agriculture and critical needs in food and nutrition. It is designed to improve plant and animal production and sustainability, and human and environmental health. 

These grants are available to eligible colleges, universities, and other research organizations. Click here for a list of the 15 projects funded under the AFRI Sustainable Agriculture Systems program.

Congresswoman Pingree, who is a longtime organic farmer, serves as Chair on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, as well as on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and the House Agriculture Committee.

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