FY23 Federal Funding Unified Ask

During the recent CARET/AHS Meeting, the Unified Request for NIFA Funding FY 2023, also referred to as the Unified Ask, was released by the APLU Board on Agriculture Assembly Policy Board of Directors. All Extension Directors and Administrators are encouraged to remain familiar with this important document that is available with federal budget and advocacy materials at www.land-grant.org and engage with their regional representatives on the ECOP Budget and Legislative Committee (BLC), if they have any questions or concerns. The next meeting of the ECOP BLC is slated for Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 4:00 p.m. ET.

Advancing Digital Access-Registration Now Open - Digital access is vital to community wellbeing. Yet many communities and individuals lacking access struggle with navigating the divide. In partnership with Extension Foundation and NIFA, the National Digital Extension Education Team (NDEET) is offering a three-day in-person intensive train-the-trainer workshop from May 3-5, 2022 for teams of Extension professionals interested in helping close the digital divide in their state. Key roles Extension can play in this process include two key arenas: (1) community organizing and planning, and (2) educating on digital skills needed to make use of available broadband access. This workshop will equip participants with both training and tools to guide efforts to close these critical gaps that greatly impact quality of life and economic recovery. Learn more and register here. For more information, contact Rachel Welborn, Associate Director, Southern Rural Development Center.




Opportunities to Serve on USDA NIFA Peer Review Panels - USDA NIFA convenes peer review panels comprised of research, education, extension, and other subject matter experts to review competitive grant proposals. Panelist duties include reviewing proposals; drafting and submitting individual scores and written reviews; attending and participating in a panel meeting. During the panel meeting panelists discuss and reach a group consensus on proposal rankings. Panels may be conducted via teleconference or at in-person meeting spaces. Persons interested in serving on a peer-review panel can provide their contact information by visiting NIFA Peer Review System and clicking on the “Panelist Recruitment” link in the “Volunteer” section.




Secretary Vilsack Releases USDA’s Blueprint for Nutrition Security - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a report detailing the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Actions on Nutrition Security. This report highlights USDA's commitment to advancing nutrition security, and the consistent access to safe, nutritious food that supports optimal health and well-being for all Americans. On May 17th, Secretary Vilsack showcased USDA's robust efforts to tackle nutrition insecurity. The address underscored USDA's commitment under the Biden-Harris Administration to prioritize bold nutrition security efforts that will help ensure all American children and families have consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable food. See the speech here usda.gov/live. 

International Federation for Home Economics Congress - The International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE) World Congress 2022 will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, September 6-10, 2022 (new dates). This Congress only occurs every four years and has not been held in the United States since 1988. The theme is Home Economics: Soaring Toward Sustainable Development. Gather on an international stage to share expertise, explore ideas and network with colleagues from around the globe. The in-person experience will include opening and closing cultural evenings, plenary sessions, workshops and symposiums, the EXPO (posters, textiles & design, and exhibitors), educational tours, and concurrent sessions. Early bird registration with lower fees closes on May 10. Click here to learn more and register.