Vision and Mission

They build unique partnerships to support innovative science addressing today’s food and agriculture challenges.
With 9.7 billion people projected to populate the world by 2050, their food system must evolve. Sustainably nourishing the growing global community demands transformative discoveries from the best and brightest scientists. The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research brings together leading experts to identify and investigate the researchable questions whose answers have the potential to enhance the economic and environmental resilience of their food supply.

They envision a world in which ever-innovating and collaborative science provides every person access to affordable, nutritious food grown on thriving farms.

They believe that by working together, their vibrant research community of nonprofits, foundations, governments, individual researchers and producers, colleges and universities, and companies can support and implement the science they need to meet their common goal: to grow enough food, in an economically, environmentally, and sustainable way, to nourish the growing US and global population that are food insecure. Part of their role in this collaborative effort is to convene individuals and groups who can pool creative ideas, expertise and resources so that they can make a difference, together.

Values

As a developing organization, grounding their growth in shared beliefs is critical to success. Their commitment to excellence, people and partnerships, innovation and integrity are at the root of who they are, what they do, and how they work.

EXCELLENCE

They support science that shows potential to propel food and agriculture forward with real-world results. They strive to work effectively, operate nimbly, and respond rapidly to emerging challenges that can be addressed through research. They constantly seek scientific opportunities that can be seized for the benefit of the food and agriculture system.

PEOPLE AND PARTNERSHIP

They need not only brilliant minds, but also fresh perspectives tackling today’s challenges in food and agriculture. They embrace diversity and promote inclusiveness in all they do, from the teams they build to the grantees they support.

Their research programs incorporate stakeholder input to drive outcomes that are not just scientifically sound, but also economically viable. They work to create opportunities where they didn’t exist before.

Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research partnerships are built on trust, shared goals, and the knowledge that they can accomplish more together with their partners than they would alone.

INNOVATION

With each project, they survey the field for research and development needs that are not being met elsewhere. They strive to catalyze transformative, real-world results and to do so, they welcome creative partnership models and research designs that challenge the status quo to produce knowledge that benefits end users.

INTEGRITY

Commitment to high ethical and professional standards is the foundation for all they do. They hold themselves accountable to the public they serve by honoring fair, transparent policies and processes and seeking stakeholder input frequently. They are responsible stewards of public funds and the public trust.

They base research priorities on sound science, broad input and the potential for public benefit. The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research supports the best science regardless of the source by adhering to a merit-based review process.