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$349,560 In Federal Funding For Fresno State Agriculture Program

February 4, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fresno State will be receiving a $349,560 federal grant for their animal growth and nutrient utilization program. This grant was announced by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and funds will be used to study animal health and nutrition. California's total livestock and livestock product cash receipts reach nearly $11 billion each year.

"Our Valley's livestock and poultry producers account for a large portion of the Valley's economy," Costa said. "Producers often have to battle diseases which could devastate their animals, and therefore their livelihood. Fresno State's agriculture programs are some of the best in the nation, educating tomorrow's farmers with innovative water management techniques, advances in viticulture, and agri-business strategies. The grant that Fresno State is receiving will help our Valley's animal agriculture industry and lead to safer products in our grocery stores."

Animal programs at NIFA address several critical issues, including children's health, food safety, international food security, and environmental protection. They help reduce childhood obesity and improving human nutrition by providing higher quality sources of animal protein with reduced fat contents while making efforts to reduce the dependency of the feeding and use of antibiotics and hormones to domestic animals. The programs also work to ensure a safer food supply by targeting the reduction in pre-harvest food borne pathogens. Furthermore, they contribute significantly to international food security by supporting research to reduce the incidence of diseases in animals and improving the production efficiency of agriculturally important animals.