USDA Awards 22 Research Grants to Boost Sustainable Packaging Innovation

USDA Grants 22 Packages of Research Funding

USDA, in a press release, announced 22 research grants to multiple entities that aim to advance the packaging materials innovation approach in the U.S. The funding comes under the Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab and the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports Initiative (ASCE).

USDA aims to focus on improving packaging as it is crucial in exporting fresh fruits, veggies, and specialty crops. Overall, it ensures food quality and safety in the whole end-to-end process. They also mentioned the growers' requirement for new packaging solutions and innovation that makes fresh production more feasible for them.

Funding by the USDA also helps in advancing the research that helps in fresh produce exports, ensuring the testing, piloting, development, and commercialization of new packaging materials.

USDA has declared Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce of the International Fresh Produce Association as the lead in this program. The initiative is a strategic partnership with the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR).

The grant was awarded two years after their funding to build, renovate, and expand their processing facilities in the Midwest.

Former Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, said,

“provide farmers with the opportunity to receive assistance they need to continue farming, to build and maintain their competitive edge, and to access more, new, and better markets.”

The names of 22 institutions are as follows. Akron Technology Inc, BioLogiQ Inc, Clemson University, Corumat Inc, It’s Fresh Ltd, Kwik Lok, Metalchemy, Michigan State University, Nat4Bio, NatureSweet, NNZ, Inc, Nvirovate Materials, Paklt Green Inc, Sway, PeelON, SAVRpak, University of Georgia Research Foundation, University of Maine in a partnership with Cal Poly Strawberry center and Sappi, University of Missouri, Vireo Advisors, Virginia Tech.