A SAFE AND SECURE FOOD AND FIBER SYSTEM
Our research program focuses on ensuring a safe and secure food supply through three key initiatives: a food safety research program, a food quality and functionality program, and a value-added enhancement program Together, these programs tackle the critical challenges associated with maintaining a reliable and secure food system.
We enhance food safety and nutritional quality to support wellness and lower disease risk Our focus includes investigating key food safety concerns for consumers and processors, specifically in microbiological and chemical safety, as well as naturally occurring plant toxins, while also exploring health benefits from various food components.
Our food safety research program focuses on investigating the agents, environments, and controls associated with microbial contamination in both fresh and processed foods We aim to expand our research on foodborne pathogens, including both emerging and well-established species By employing advanced immunological and molecular biological techniques, we examine how innovative processes and products influence microbial growth and survival, as well as detect microbial contaminants at extremely low levels.
This program focuses on aiding processors in the development of HACCP programs by creating computer simulations to enhance food quality and safety, including models for microbial growth inhibition Our research examines potential natural toxicants and antinutrients in genetically modified foods, alongside the chemistry and toxicology of production-enhancing chemicals that may leave residues in food products We also explore health-promoting phytochemicals, establishing both safe and toxic consumption levels, and analyze the risks and benefits of increased plant-based food consumption Additionally, we investigate factors affecting nutrient bioavailability and the impact of processing, preservation, and storage on food nutritional value and quality By developing advanced chemical and instrumental methods for macro and micronutrient analysis, we support nutrition labeling and process control, ultimately providing direct assistance to companies to ensure the safe processing of foods.
Our program on value added processing systems improves technologies and systems that enhance food value including nutritional value, safety and cost thus securing our food system for the future.
We evaluate innovative plant and animal foods, along with production management techniques, to enhance nutritional value and economic benefits Our focus includes developing quality assessment methods, setting breeding goals, and exploring advanced process technologies such as fermentation and extraction to boost the food industry's profitability We investigate minimal processing and packaging methods while assessing the economic potential of new products and processes Our scientists create engineering systems that integrate microbiology and enzymology to address waste disposal challenges Additionally, we work on processing methods to fractionate food components and improve the sensory quality of low-fat foods, aiming to establish a knowledge base that leads in value-added processing for the food manufacturing sector.
Our food quality and functionality program employs a multidisciplinary approach to enhance the understanding of factors influencing food acceptability We investigate the molecular foundations of food functionality and quality, focusing on the biochemistry of plant and animal foods, post-harvest physiology, sensory quality, physical and chemical properties, and food microbiology Ensuring high-quality foods is essential for the security of our food system.
Our food quality program focuses on enhancing the quality of fresh and processed foods by examining factors that affect their composition, appearance, flavor, and texture, particularly in relation to post-harvest storage management We delve into the biochemistry and genetics of plant and animal products that influence these characteristics, as well as the microbial populations that impact food quality and shelf life Our research includes investigating the physical and chemical properties of various food types and developing mathematical models to understand the relationships between product properties, instrumental measurements, and human perceptions This research is actively applied in the industry through outreach and advisory programs.
Over the next five years, various challenges will influence the direction of food safety initiatives, particularly with the rise of new pathogens necessitating increased scientific focus The interconnectedness of water and food safety issues will promote integrated research efforts in these domains Additionally, the demand for unique functional ingredients in food production and health will propel research programs forward To maintain freshness, quality, and safety in fresh and minimally processed foods, there will be a growing need for interdisciplinary teams of scientists.
PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR INITIATIVES RELATED TO GOAL 2
Improves the health, nutrition, and safety of communities and individuals
Prepare and keep foods safely
Increase citizen participation in local food related policy decisions
Expand knowledge of health behaviors that effect women’s health status
Increase fruit and vegetable consumption
Indicator Data Specific to Goal 2
(For each indicator, both actual and annual target results are included, the latter in parentheses.)
Indicator 2.1 measures the total count of peer-reviewed articles and research materials focused on ensuring a safe and secure food and fiber system It also includes the number of associated patents, licenses, and new varieties issued, highlighting the advancements in research and innovation within this critical sector.
Year # refereed items # patents, licenses, varieties
OBJECTIVE 2.1 To improve food accessibility, affordability, safety, and nutritional value.
Indicator 2.1.2 measures the total number of individuals who complete non-formal consumer education programs focused on food accessibility and affordability It also tracks how many of these participants implement one or more recommended practices within six months of finishing the program.
Year Output: # persons completing programs
Outcome: # who actually Adopt practices
OBJECTIVE 2.2 To increase the effectiveness of constituent and citizen participation on public policy issues affecting food security (i.e., food access, affordability, and recovery).
Indicator 2.2.1 measures the total number of individuals who complete non-formal education programs focused on public policy issues related to food security, including aspects like food access, affordability, and recovery Additionally, it tracks how many of these individuals engage actively in food security issues within six months of finishing the programs.
Year Output: # persons completing programs
Outcome: # who actually become involved
OBJECTIVE 2.3 To annually increase consumer awareness, understanding, and information regarding food safety and food borne risks and illnesses
Indicator 2.3.1 measures the total number of individuals who complete non-formal consumer education programs focused on food safety and foodborne risks It also tracks how many of these participants adopt recommended food safety behaviors or practices within six months of completing the programs.
Year Output: # persons completing programs
Outcome: # who actually adopt behaviors
Resources Allocated to Goal 2 (FFF and Match)
Dollars (x 1000) and FTE or SY
Impact Examples Related to Goal 2 Reduced Risks of E Coli Contamination of Apples and Cider
Key Themes: Food Safety, Foodborne Illness, Foodborne Pathogens, Food Handling, HACCP
Recent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses in the Northeast U.S have been linked to apple cider contaminated with E coli O157:H7, likely due to contamination from manure in orchards Prior research had not established how E coli O157:H7 survives on apples or penetrates their surfaces A collaborative study with Virginia Polytechnic University identified key entry points for this pathogen through farming and juice manufacturing practices, leading to recommendations aimed at preventing foodborne pathogens from entering finished apple juice.
Birds, deer, and cattle can shed E coli O157:H7 in their feces, which may contaminate apples in orchards This contamination is believed to be a key source of E coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with apple cider The survival of E coli in these environments poses a significant risk to food safety.
Research revealed that the presence of E coli O157:H7 on apple surfaces in orchards was previously unrecognized By utilizing fluorescent E coli, the study assessed how environmental factors influenced bacterial survival on apples at various maturity stages across four common Northeast varieties Results indicated that E coli survived for less than five days on apple surfaces before dropping below detectable levels Additionally, E coli can enter apples through the blossom scar, stem, or skin when immersed in wash water prior to juice production The study employed confocal scanning electron microscopy to measure E coli penetration, discovering that cooler wash water facilitated water uptake into the apple core via the bloom scar Notably, certain apple varieties with larger bloom scars were more susceptible to absorbing contaminated water.
A HEALTHY, WELL-NOURISHED POPULATION
In the next five years, enhancing public health through food and nutrient-based strategies will be crucial for reducing preventable mortality and morbidity in the United States These strategies will play a vital role for the USDA by linking the nation's food production and health sectors They will empower consumers to take greater responsibility for their health, ensure alignment between the food system and health objectives, and reshape the health system with a focus on cost containment through the prevention of chronic diseases.
Current research focuses on several key areas: the impact of glucose, lipids, vitamin E, and homocysteine on cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes; the influence of nutrients on fetal neural and cognitive development, including genetic polymorphisms and folic acid metabolism as well as the role of retinoic acid in gene transcription; and the relationship between nutrition and cancer, particularly the mechanisms by which selenium and vitamin D exert their effects.
The article discusses the significance of plant-based diets and the physiochemical characteristics of dietary fiber It highlights the impact of nutrition on inflammation regulation, particularly how dietary fat influences gene expression during inflammatory responses Additionally, it addresses the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, the challenges of postpartum weight retention, and the concept of fetal metabolic imprinting and its connection to chronic diseases.
Neurohormonal and psychological factors significantly affect eating behavior, while food security plays a crucial role in overall nutrition Both domestic and international food policies are essential for addressing issues like iron and micronutrient deficiencies Additionally, the nutritional impact of parasitic infections cannot be overlooked Understanding the behavioral determinants of food choices is vital, particularly in dietary assessments among ethnic minorities Finally, recognizing the social patterns of obesity and weight control is important for developing effective public health strategies.
The latest dietary guidelines highlight the importance of plant-based foods in managing caloric intake, lowering fat consumption, and improving the quality of fats in our diet They also promote the intake of foods linked to a reduced risk of cancer while ensuring that both macro- and micronutrient requirements are fulfilled Notably, these guidelines now cater to consumers who either completely avoid animal products or selectively include them in their diets Future research should focus on the health objectives, policy goals, and consumer behaviors that align with these updated recommendations.
Future research investments will focus on several key areas: first, investigating the complex genetic interactions that shape developmental and physiological pathways, particularly under varying nutritional conditions, especially in light of the forthcoming human genome description; second, leveraging insights into human behavior to create effective nutrition-related behavior change interventions; third, evaluating the outcomes of food policy options concerning food security, health, and disease prevention; and fourth, fostering international collaborations that acknowledge the globalization of the U.S food supply.
PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR INITIATIVES RELATED TO GOAL 3
Improves the health, nutrition, and safety of communities and individuals.
Increase citizen participation in local health and safety policy decisions
Expand knowledge of health behaviors that effect women’s health status
Increase fruit and vegetable consumption
Indicator Data Specific to Goal 3
(For each indicator, both actual and annual target results are included, the latter in parentheses.)
Indicator 3.1 assesses the total count of peer-reviewed articles and materials focused on research in human nutrition, health, and health promotion, alongside the tally of related patents, licenses, or varieties granted This metric highlights the significance of scholarly contributions to the field and their impact on advancing health-related innovations.
Year # refereed items # patents, licenses, varieties
OBJECTIVE 3.1 To achieve a healthier, more well-nourished population.
Indicator 3.1.2 measures the total number of individuals who complete non-formal nutrition education programs focused on effectively managing health risk factors such as obesity and hypertension It also tracks how many of these participants adopt recommended nutrition practices to mitigate health risks within six months of finishing the programs.
Year Output: # persons completing programs
Outcome: # who actually Adopt practices
OBJECTIVE 3.2 To annually increase consumer awareness, understanding, and information on dietary guidance and appropriate nutrition practices.
Indicator 3.2.1 measures the total number of individuals who complete non-formal nutrition education programs that offer dietary guidance It also tracks how many of these participants adopt one or more recommended Dietary Guidelines within six months of program completion.
Year Output: # persons completing programs
Outcome: # who actually adopt recommendations
OBJECTIVE 3.3 To promote health, safety, and access to quality health care.
Indicator 3.3.1 measures the total number of individuals who successfully complete non-formal education programs focused on health promotion It also tracks how many of these individuals implement one or more recommended health practices within six months of program completion This data is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of health education initiatives.
Year Output: # persons completing programs
Outcome: # who actually adopt practices
OBJECTIVE 3.4 To annually increase the level of individual and family safety (or reduce risk levels) from accidents in the homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
Indicator 3.4.1 measures the total number of individuals who finish non-formal education programs focused on home and workplace safety and risk reduction It also tracks the number of these participants who implement at least one recommended safety practice within six months of completing the program.
Year Output: # persons completing programs
Outcome: # who actually adopt practices
OBJECTIVE 3.5 To annually increase the effectiveness of constituent and citizen participation on public policy issues affecting health community decision-making.
Indicator 3.5.1 measures the total number of individuals who complete non-formal education programs focused on public policy issues that influence health-related community decision-making Additionally, it tracks how many of these individuals engage actively in public policy matters within six months of completing the programs.
Year Output: # persons completing programs
Outcome: # who actually become involved
Resources Allocated to Goal 3 (FFF and Match)
Dollars x 1000 and (FTE) or (SY)
Alternative Press Improves Quality of Berry Juices
Key Themes: Human Nutrition, Food Quality, Food Safety, Food Handling, New Uses for
The juice industry has experienced significant growth in the use of small fruits, particularly berries, in blended juice products Due to the high cost of raw berries, maximizing juice extraction through high yields is essential, which is why press aids like rice hulls and paper are commonly employed However, these press aids can introduce off-flavors into the juice, and the leftover berry pomace, contaminated with rice hulls or paper, cannot be fed to cattle, leading to its disposal in landfills.
Apple pomace, the primary waste from apple juice production, has emerged as a viable alternative press aid, yielding berry juices comparable to those produced with standard press aids Sensory evaluations revealed a preference for berry juices pressed with apple pomace, which were noted for their sweeter, fuller flavor and fresh taste, in contrast to the bitter and woody flavors associated with juices processed using rice hulls or paper Flavor analysis corroborated these sensory findings Additionally, utilizing apple pomace as a press aid offers an environmental advantage, as it can be repurposed as cattle feed along with berry pomace, making it a more sustainable option compared to traditional press aids.
The research findings have sparked significant interest among leading fruit processing companies Notably, Motts, a key producer of cider and applesauce, is exploring options to dry or sell its substantial apple pomace and peel waste to a dehydration facility Atwater Foods, New York's largest dehydration plant, is keen on drying apple pomace and peel for press aid production Additionally, major juice manufacturers like Ocean Spray, Welch's, and Cadbury-Schweppes are considering a shift from using rice hulls and paper to utilizing dried apple pomace and peel in their juice extraction processes Furthermore, Good Nature, a prominent manufacturer of pasteurization and juice extraction equipment in Buffalo, NY, recognizes the importance of this research due to the critical role of press aid in their pressing machinery.
Links Between Maternal Obesity and Infant Growth Informs Obesity Prevention Efforts
Key Themes: Human Health, Human Nutrition, Birth Weight
GREATER HARMONY BETWEEN AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Enhancing environmental integrity and preserving ecological systems essential for human well-being will remain a top priority for society and its publicly funded research and educational institutions over the next five years As human populations increase, consumer demands on agriculture and the food system rise, intensifying the challenges of achieving a balance between agricultural production, food processing, and environmental stewardship.
CUAES is committed to enhancing environmental quality through significant investments in agricultural science aimed at minimizing ecological impacts We believe that the long-term sustainability of agriculture is closely tied to environmental health Our strategy prioritizes the integration of research and extension services to swiftly identify agricultural challenges, direct scientific efforts towards solutions, conduct field testing, and evaluate innovative technologies and practices Our research program encompasses a wide range of complementary initiatives to support these goals.
To minimize chemical inputs in agriculture, research focuses on enhancing pest management strategies, developing effective biological pest control methods, and improving cultural practices for plant systems management Additionally, breeding programs aim to increase pest resistance and reduce nutrient requirements, while soil-plant system investigations seek to optimize nutrient management Furthermore, technological innovations are being implemented to decrease pathogens in animal agriculture, promoting a more sustainable agricultural approach.
Innovative agricultural practices are essential for safeguarding natural resources by ensuring water quality and protecting aquatic ecosystems, wetlands, and wildlife habitats Additionally, these practices aim to preserve forests and enhance aesthetic values while reducing energy consumption and reliance on petroleum-based materials in farming operations.
The focus on developing sustainable and profitable alternative agricultural products involves identifying innovative products and production methods that minimize environmental impact Additionally, creating effective marketing strategies and developing markets for these eco-friendly agricultural products can enhance their profitability, ensuring a greener future for agriculture.
Enhancing waste management in agriculture and the food system involves several key strategies: first, minimizing on-farm waste generation; second, improving the management and disposal quality of farm-produced waste; third, reducing waste during food processing; fourth, optimizing the management and disposal of waste generated in food processing; and finally, advancing scientific knowledge on the safe application of municipal sewage sludge to agricultural land.
Future research investments will focus on both fundamental and applied sciences to enhance chemical, nutrient, and waste management, as well as habitat protection on farms Additionally, efforts will be directed toward energy conservation in agriculture and food processing, improving waste management related to food production, and promoting stewardship of natural resources.
The rapid societal demand for agricultural reform often clashes with the slower pace of scientific advancements, particularly in the context of limited funding This disconnect highlights the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in improving its public image while navigating the complexities of the Agricultural Environmental Stewardship (AES) system.
Opportunities—Keen interest of excellent scientists to address the problems and discover solutions; public support for this kind of work; graduate student interest is high
The insufficient federal funding for scientific research hampers progress in critical areas, as there is a pressing need for facility upgrades, fellowships for top graduate students, and operational research funding While society seeks advancements, the financial commitments necessary to achieve these improvements are lacking Although Agricultural Experiment Stations (AES) can allocate some Federal Formula Funds (FFF) to address these needs, numerous other agricultural production priorities complicate the ability to redirect significant portions of the FFF research portfolio.
PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR INITIATIVES RELATED TO GOAL 4
Improves the quality and sustainability of human environments and natural resources.
Ensure quality and conservation of water supply
Promote environmental stewardship and sound decision making about the management of natural resources
Promote community, agricultural, and residential environmental enhancement
Prepare youth to make considered environmental choices
Enhance science education through the environments
Indicator Data Specific to Goal 4
(For each indicator, both actual and annual target results are included, the latter in parentheses.)
Indicator 4.1 tracks the total count of peer-reviewed articles and materials focused on research pertaining to agricultural, natural resource, and environmental policies, programs, technologies, and practices Additionally, it includes the number of associated patents, licenses, or varieties issued, highlighting the impact of research on innovation and development in these critical areas.
Year # refereed items # patents, licenses, varieties
The objective is to create and promote effective and sustainable policies and practices in agriculture, forestry, and resource management that safeguard and improve water, soil, and air quality This includes enhancing the quantity and quality of surface and groundwater supplies, as well as increasing the number of individuals who adopt water management practices within six months of participating in relevant programs.
Outcome: # who actually Adopt practices
The objective is to promote the annual adoption of agricultural best practices among producers, aimed at conserving, protecting, and enhancing soil resources on or near agricultural sites This initiative focuses on sustainable land use to ensure the long-term health and productivity of agricultural environments.
Indicator 4.2.1 measures the total number of individuals who finish non-formal education programs focused on soil conservation, sustainability, and protection Additionally, it tracks how many of these participants implement at least one soil conservation practice within six months of completing the program.
Year Output: # persons completing programs
Outcome: # who actually adopt practices
OBJECTIVE 4.3 To annually increase the effectiveness of constituent and citizen participation on public policy issues affecting agricultural production, the environment, and ecosystem integrity and biodiversity.
Indicator 4.3.1 measures the total number of individuals who complete non-formal education programs focused on public policy issues impacting agricultural production, ecosystem integrity, and biodiversity It also tracks the number of these individuals who engage in public policy matters within six months of completing the programs.
Year Output: # persons completingprograms Outcome: # who actually become involved
Resources Allocated to Goal 4 (FFF and Match)
Dollars x 1000 and (FTE) or (SY)
Impact Examples Related to Goal 4 Soil Health Applied Research and Extension Program Work Team Meets with Early Success
Key Themes: Soil Quality, Nutrient Management, Agricultural Profitability
New York's growing soils are increasingly strained by soil-borne diseases, pests, and weeds, necessitating costly control measures annually Chronic soil compaction results in poor root development, inadequate drainage, and heightened erosion, while declining soil fertility demands greater fertilizer use, risking nutrient over-enrichment in waterways Vegetable growers contend with powdery soils that harden into crusts after rain or irrigation, along with lifeless soils that lack beneficial organisms essential for disease suppression, soil structure improvement, crop residue decomposition, and nutrient recycling.