1. Dr. Anna Palmisano, Deputy Administrator, Competitive Programs The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service Competitive Programs

2. What we’ll discuss CSREES mission and USDA strategic goals Peer review Individual funding programs Stakeholder input We’ve gone electronic

3. CSREES mission “To advance knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well being, and communities. ” Competitive Programs supports mission relevant, high priority research and integrated programs

4. USDA strategic goals Enhance international competitiveness of American agriculture Enhance competitiveness and stability of rural and farm economics Increase economic opportunities and improved quality of life in rural America Enhance protection and safety of the Nation’s agriculture and food supply Improve the Nation’s nutrition and health Protect and enhance the Nation’s natural resources and environment

5. Peer Review: A Hallmark of Competitive Programs Rigorous peer review selects proposals of highest merit Review performed by experts in research, extension and education Evaluation criteria include: –Scientific merit –Qualifications – Facilities – Project planning & management – Relevance

6. National Research Initiative: USDA’s Largest Competitive Program Basic and applied research Integrated activities (research, education and/or extension) Biological, physical, social sciences Single discipline and inter- disciplinary One investigator or teams Broad eligibility

7. Types of NRI Proposals Standard grants (research and integrated) Conferences Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards (some restrictions apply) –New Investigator Awards –Post-doctoral Fellowships –Strengthening Awards Coordinated Agricultural Projects

8. FY2007 NRI program clusters Agricultural Biosecurity and Agricultural Genomics Agricultural Production and Value- Added Processing Nutrition, Food Safety and Quality Agro-ecosystems

9. Interagency Collaboration Collaborations are key, because they: –Leverage tight budgets –Minimize overlap –Enhance coordination NPLs actively participate in interagency working groups under the President’s National Science and Technology Council

10. Community Food Program Meet the food needs of low-income people Increase self-reliance in meeting food needs Promote comprehensive responses to food, farm and nutrition issues

11. Biotechnology Risk Assessment Program (BRAG) Identify and develop management practices to minimize potential risks associated with genetically engineered animals, plants and microorganisms Assist Federal regulatory agencies in making science-based decisions about introducing GMOs into the environment

12. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Research for the development of a profit-making technology, product or service Two phase program - feasibility and development $80,000 (Phase I)/$300,000 (Phase II) Small businesses of 500 employees or less Government-wide 2.5% set-aside of USDA extramural funding for research

13. Section 406 – Integrated Activities Water Quality Food Safety Integrated Pest Management Centers Crops at Risk from FQPA Implementation Risk Avoidance and Mitigation Program Methyl Bromide Transitions Program Organic Transitions Program

14. Stakeholder Input is Vital! Scientific societies, National Academy REE Advisory Board Producers, processors, industry Land Grant University System Non-governmental organizations Other federal agencies International coordination

15. We’ve gone electronic in FY 2007! All competitive proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov