The Science of Food

Importance of the Science of Food and Technology

Science and technology are essential to ensure all Americans have access to safe, high-quality, and nutritious food at affordable prices. Advances in science and technology allow for a food supply that is safe, nutritious, abundant, convenient, affordable, and has extended shelf-life. 

NIFA’s Impact

NIFA invests in research, education, Extension, and innovation to advance the science and technology of food. This work includes efforts to ensure a safe, nutritious, and secure food supply while also developing and delivering evidence-based messages about food safety. In partnership with other federal science agencies, NIFA contributes to science policy decision-making to improve the science of food and technology including, but not limited to, One Health, Closer to Zero, Dietary Guidelines for  Americans, and The President’s Make America Healthy Again initiative. NIFA also partners with the Land-grant University System and government at various levels, private, and nonprofit organizations to advance the science of food and its applications. The agency also invests in developing food scientists across all stages of professional development. 

Relevant NIFA Programs

• Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)
  • Foundational and Applied Science Program<
    • Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health (FSNH) program area
      • A1332 Food Safety and Defense
      • A1343 Food and Human Health
      • A1366 Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance Across the Food Chain
      • A1364 Innovations in Food Manufacturing Technologies
  • Crosscutting Programs
    • A1181 Agricultural Biosecurity
    • A1402 Agricultural Microbiomes in Plant Systems and Natural Resources
    • A1511 Nanotechnology for Agricultural and Food Systems
    • A1541 Data Science for Food and Agricultural Systems (DSFAS)
    • A1701 Critical Agricultural Research and Extension (CARE)
    • A1712 Rapid Response to Weather Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems
    • A1713 Rapid Response to Emerging and Re-emerging Pest and Disease Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems
    • A1811 Commodity Board Co-Funding Topics
  • Education and Workforce Development
    • A7101 Predoctoral Fellowships
    • A7201 Postdoctoral Fellowships
    • A7401 Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates
    • A7501 Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy
    • A7601 Agricultural Workforce Training Grants
    • A7801 Food and Agricultural Non-formal Education
  • A9201 AFRI Strengthening Agricultural Systems (SAS)
     
  • Non-AFRI Programs
    • Food Safety Outreach Program
    • Small Business Innovation Research - Food Science and Nutrition (SBIR 8.5)

Relevant Collaborations 

Closer to Zero 

NIFA collaborates with the Food and Drug Administration on the Closer to Zero initiative designed to reduce dietary exposure to contaminants to as low as possible, while maintaining access to nutritious foods. 

Relevant Topic Pages 

• Advancing Food Manufacturing
• Community Nutrition
• Food Loss and Waste
• Food Products
• Food Safety
• Food and Nutrition Security
• Local and Regional Food Systems
• Nutrition and Food Systems
• Nutrition Education
• Prevention of Diet-Related Diseases and Disparities 

Consumer Resources 

• Food Safety Topics USDA National Agricultural Library
• USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning
• FDA Updates
  • Current advisory activity on combating antibiotic resistant bacteria
  • Recalls Public Health Alerts Food Safety and Inspection Service

Food Science Research Resources

• USDA ERS - Food Safety
• Food Safety Research Priorities & Studies Food Safety and Inspection Service
• NAREEE Advisory Board
• Food Safety Research Information Office