DC Insight - 4/28/2023

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USDA Announces New National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director
U.S. Department of Agriculture Press Release – April 24, 2023
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of Manjit K. Misra as the new Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The NIFA Director leads the agency’s work in advancing agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. Dr. Misra will start his new role on Monday, May 8, 2023.

Farm Bill Listening Session
House Committee on Agriculture – April 24, 2023
Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Glenn Thompson (PA-15), hosted a Farm Bill listening session in Newberry, Florida. The event brought together farmers, ranchers, producers, agribusiness owners, and more to solicit public feedback—an integral part of the Farm Bill reauthorization process. The listening session was hosted at the University of Florida, Institute on Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Office.

USDA Announces $45 Million Funding Opportunity to Support Underserved and Veteran Farmers, Ranchers, and Foresters
U.S. Department of Agriculture - April 27, 2023 
he U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced approximately $45 million available to organizations that help underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, also known as the 2501 Program. This program is administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE).

Biden-Harris Administration Recommends $562 Million Investment to Make Communities Resilient to Climate Impacts as Part of Investing in America Agenda
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – April 22, 2023
Vice President Harris announced that the Department of Commerce has recommended $562 million in funding — including investments in nearly 150 projects across 30 coastal and Great Lakes states and territories — to make communities and the economy more resilient to climate change as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda.

CHIPS for America Outlines Vision for the National Semiconductor Technology Center
National Institute of Standards and Technology - April 25, 2023
Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a paper outlining its vision and strategy for a National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), a key component of the research and development program established by President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act.