The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) and New York-based OCP North America on April 6 launched the FFAR-OCP Disruptive Technology Fellowship, which the organizations described as a funding opportunity to support up to five early-career scientists conducting research on fertilizer efficiency and technology development.
According to FFAR and OCP, the fellowship aims to provide research on precision fertilizer application methods, nutrient recommendation methods, and guidance on land applications of animal waste to customize and enhance fertilizer efficiency. Fellows may also have the opportunity to partner with OCP and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco to co-develop novel fertilizer products that could be efficient for high-production and low-input agriculture following the completion of their research.
“This audacious research fellowship is investing in disruptive technologies that can improve overall crop productivity from the ground up,” said FFAR Scientific Program Director Dr. LaKisha Odom. “Investing in innovations that improve fertilizer use efficiency will decrease production costs, reduce environmental impacts, and improve crop nutrient uptake.”
Relevant research areas include organic fertilizers, intelligent fertilizers (based on a controlled release or carrier delivery system), enhanced efficiency fertilizers, biofertilizers, biostimulants, or other specialty products. Each awardee may receive up to $75,000 in funding. As FFAR and OCP provided funding for the program, applicants are not required to secure additional funds.
The application period for this fellowship closes on June 1, 2022. Funding for the fellowship is limited to only those projects that have demonstrated progress in the first phase of their research. Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. within the past ten years to be eligible for funding. Additional information, including details on how to apply, is available at foundationfar.org.
FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps, and complement USDA’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding.