Science Policy Report

Address all comments to the Science Policy Office at:
sciencepolicy@sciencesocieties.org

16 February 2011

In This Issue:

International Corner

Research, Education, Extension Funding Opportunities

Conferences, Meetings and Reports

Congressional/Administration News

International Corner

Sustainable solutions to the challenges of food and energy security, economic development, biodiversity conservation and climate change are the goals of a coalition of resource organizations that was recently announced. The Solutions from the Land (SFL) initiative will examine how land, water and other natural resources can be managed in an integrated manner at the scale necessary to meet these challenges, both here in the United States and across the globe. The United Nations Foundation, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy and Farm Foundation NFP are the founding sponsors of the new initiative. They will be joined by agriculture and forestry groups, conservation interests, businesses, nongovernmental organizations, universities, land users’ associations and bilateral and multilateral institutions, all seeking to ensure agricultural systems, forests and other land uses are managed in a way that addresses the needs of a changing world. Information on the Solutions from the Land initiative: www.SFLdialogue.net.

On 16-17 Feb, the National Academy of Sciences is sponsoring a session, “Measuring Food Insecurity and Assessing the Sustainability of Global Food Systems”, at the Keck Center, 500 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC.  If you would like to attend the sessions of this meeting that are open to the public or need more information, please contact: Contact Name: Emi Kameyama, Email: ekameyama@nas.edu

Research, Education, Extension Funding Opportunities

The Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs) for Region 2, initiated in FY90, provide applicants an opportunity to carry out projects to develop and refine comprehensive wetland programs. The authority for the grant program is Section 104(b)(3) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) which restricts the use of these grant funds to improving wetland programs by conducting or promoting the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution. All proposed projects must be linked to environmental results and demonstrate how they will contribute to the ultimate goals of healthy communities and ecosystems. Deadline 28 Mar. http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=67393

The Michigan Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture, is announcing availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from Michigan only. NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2011 will be approximately $225,000.00. Applications are requested from eligible governmental or non-governmental organizations or individuals for competitive consideration of grant awards for projects between 1 and 3 years in duration. Contact: Steven V. Law CIG Program Manager, NRCS, Phone: (517) 324-5282, Email: Steven.Law@mi.usda.gov. Deadline 4 Mar. http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=68373

The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies, while leveraging the Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) into NRCS policy, technical manuals, guides, and references or to the private sector. CIG promotes sharing of skills, knowledge, technologies, and facilities among communities, governments, and other institutions to ensure that scientific and technological developments are accessible to a wider range of users. CIG funds projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. Deadline 29 Apr. http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=68613

This program is to establish an integrated noxious weed management program throughout New Mexico weed management areas. This program will inventory, manage, prevent and eradicate whenever possible plants designated as noxious or invasive. It will also educate the public as to the existence of noxious and invasive weeds and plants so they recognize the listed noxious species. Deadline 9 Mar. http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=69354

Southern Appalacian Mountains CESU. Deadline 23 Feb. http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=69873

The FY 2011 Extension Integrated Pest Management Coordination and Support Program (EIPM-CS) contains two components, EIPM-CS Coordination and EIPM-CS Support. Both components support state and local contributions in advancing the goals of the National Road Map for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) by addressing priority needs associated with the coordination, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of extension IPM programs. EIPM-CS funds will help agricultural producers and other pest managers adopt alternative pest management practices through training, demonstration, and evaluation of methods and strategies. All EIPM-CS efforts are intended to contribute to the achievement of national IPM goals through the demonstration and evaluation of IPM practices in production agriculture and other settings. Awards strengthen the ability of NIFA and its IPM partner institutions to actively address local, state, and national IPM needs delivered through the Cooperative Extension Services and rapidly respond to new issues and opportunities. Deadline 29 Mar. http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=69453

Hydrologic Sciences focuses on the flow of water and transport processes within streams, soils, and aquifers. Particular attention is given to spatial and temporal heterogeneity of fluxes and storages of water, particles, and chemicals coupling across interfaces with the landscape, microbial communities, and coastal environments, to upscaling and downscaling given these heterogeneities and interfaces and how these processes are altered by climate and land use changes. Studies may address aqueous geochemistry as well as physical, chemical, and biological processes within water bodies. These studies commonly involve expertise from many basic sciences and mathematics, and proposals often require joint review with related programs. Deadline 1 Jun. http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=69953

NRCS requests proposals from eligible government, non-governmental organizations, or individuals which seek competitive consideration of grant awards for projects between one and three years in duration. CIG does not fund research projects, rather, CIG funds proposals that stimulate the development and adoption of conservation approaches or technologies that have been studied sufficiently to indicate a likelihood of success. CIG funds projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. To be eligible, projects must involve landowners who meet the EQIP eligibility requirements. Deadline 31 Mar. http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=70593

NRCS requests applications for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to stimulate, develop and adopt innovative conservation approaches and technologies. For FY 2011, up to $500,000 is available for the Colorado State CIG competition. Grants under the Colorado State Component will not exceed $75,000 from NRCS. Funds will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process. Applications are requested from eligible government or non-government organizations or individuals for competitive consideration of grant awards for projects between one and three years in duration. The full Announcement of Program Funding identifies the objectives for CIG projects, the eligibility criteria for projects, and associated instructions needed to apply to CIG. Deadline 1 Apr. http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=70893

USAID/Mexico seeks to initiate a new five-year project that will pursue the goal of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) in Mexico. The purpose of this USAID effort is to assist Mexico in establishing and/or fortifying policies related to REDD+, building institutional and technical capacity, and creating the financial architecture necessary to support the sustainable implementation of REDD+. Deadline 31 Mar. http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=71053

Conferences, Meetings and Reports

ASA, CSSA, and SSSA invite applications for the Congressional Science Fellowship Program (Fellowship). The Fellow selected will spend one year in Washington DC, applying his/her professional and scientific expertise as a special assistant on the staff of a member of Congress or Congressional committee. Deadline 22 Mar. Details: https://www.soils.org/awards/award/ (once there, scroll down to "ASA-CSSA-SSSA Awards"). The purpose of the Fellowship is to make practical contributions to the more effective use of science and technical knowledge in government, to demonstrate the value of such science-government interaction, to inform the scientific and educational communities about public policy and the legislative process, and to provide a unique public policy learning experience. The Fellowship can begin anytime from September to early January; the exact date is open to negotiation. The Fellowship carries an annual stipend of $53,000 plus relocation expenses, up to $1,500. Applicants are required to have the Ph.D. at the time they start the Fellowship. Applicants may apply for the Fellowship while finishing their doctoral program, but must have completed their degree prior to beginning the Fellowship.

The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Science Policy Internship (SPI) provides qualified individuals in the agronomic, crop, soil sciences, and related disciplines with a hands-on learning experience in the science policy arena. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Details: https://www.soils.org/awards/award/ (once there, scroll down to "ASA-CSSA-SSSA Awards"). The Science Policy Intern (Intern) will work closely with the ASA-CSSA-SSSA Senior Science Policy Associate in Washington DC, monitoring and analyzing agricultural, natural resources, and environmental legislation, attending and participating in Congressional/Agency hearings and briefings, assisting in the preparation of position papers, directing the Societies' grassroots advocacy activities, and communicating with members of the Societies. The Intern will also manage the Congressional Soils Caucus. The internship offers flexible start and end dates and can be for three to 12 months. The internship carries a stipend of $1,000 per month, plus living expenses of $500 per month. The Intern is responsible for health insurance and travel expenses to and from Washington DC. Applicants must have completed the first semester of their sophomore year by January 15, 2011 in agronomy, crop, soil science, or a closely related discipline.

WEBS (Women Evolving Biological Sciences) is an annual three-day symposium aimed at addressing the retention of female scientists and issues related to the transition of women from early career stages to tenure track positions and leadership roles in academic and research settings. Past WEBS symposiums in 2007, 2008 and 2010 were huge successes. Early career participants and senior scientist panelists reported feeling inspired and equipped with new connections and tools that they expect will help them in their career in the years to come. WEBS will target early career women in the Biological Sciences with an emphasis on ecology and evolutionary biology. In particular, it will focus on women who have earned their doctoral degrees within the past two to eight years and who do not have tenure in order to address the critical transition period from graduate studies and post-doctoral positions to permanent research and teaching positions. The symposium will provide a forum for professional development, including awareness and improvement of academic leadership skills; opportunities to establish mentoring relationships; and resources for developing professional networks. The 2011 symposium will be held at NESCent (National Evolutionary Synthesis Center) in Durham, NC, November 6-9, 2011. Details: (http://www.webs.washington.edu). Contact: websinfo@u.washington.edu). Deadline for applications 15 Apr.

On 10 Feb, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) announced the launch of the beta version of a new online tool that allows the public to track U.S. progress in innovation. The R&D Dashboard is a new website that helps users document and demonstrate the impacts of Federal investments in research and development (R&D). The R&D Dashboard beta websiteprovides a look at U.S. Federal Investments in R&D from two agencies over a decade—the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation(NSF)—from 2000 to 2009. These two science agencies play a significant role in funding basic research in the United States; more than 80 percent of the Federal government’s support of university-based research, for example, comes from these two agencies. The R&D Dashboard will expand in a future iteration to include more varieties of Federal R&D investments and information on their outputs.

The World Food Prize Foundation is pleased to invite nominations from around the world. Deadline 1 Apr. Nomination guidelines: http://www.worldfoodprize.org/index.cfm?nodeID=25290. The $250,000 World Food Prize is presented annually to an individual/s in recognition of truly exceptional achievements in improving the quality, quantity and availability of the world’s food supply. As the World Food Prize celebrates 25 years of honoring and inspiring great achievements in improving the world’s food supply, nomination of a worthy candidate or candidates is most earnestly solicited. Contact:  Judith Pim, Director of Secretariat Operations, World Food Prize, jpim@worldfoodprize.org.

Congressional/Administration News

The House introduced their continuing resolution (H.R. 1) last Friday to fund the government through the end of FY 2011. The bill cuts over $100 billion from the President's FY 2011 request, including many R&D programs with the Department of Energy facing particularly deep cuts. The bill will likely pass the House after an open amendment debate (there are more than 100 amendments), but faces changes in the Democrat-controlled Senate and will require a conference to work out the differences.

*Magnitude of the proposed cuts:

-Department of Energy Office of Science would be funded at $4.017 billion, which represents a cut of $886 million, or 18 percent, from the FY 2010 funding level of $4.903 billion. The Office of Biological and Environmental Research is hit very hard with funding down 55% from FY10 (-$324,000 from $588,031).

-National Science Foundation would be cut by $359.5 million, or five percent, from the FY 2010 level of $6.87 billion.

-USDA would see a reduction of the Research, Education, and Economics mission area budget of $415 million, with NIFA decreasing by $217 million (AFRI funding alone is cut by $34.7 million, reducing funding to $227.8 million) and ARS by $185 million (includes zeroing out of Buildings and Facilities). Please see: http://www.land-grant.org/reports/2011/02-11.htmfor additional details on the USDA budget. In addition, the Economics Research Service would see a $3 million cut. A bright note is a proposed increase of $25 million for formula funds (Hatch Act up $6.76 million, McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry up $5.86 million, Evans-Allen Program-1890s research up $2.5 million).  Extension would get clobbered to the tune of minus $42 million ($30 million from salaries, remainder from administration). Earmarks would be zeroed out (minus $89 million). The integrated research, education, and extension account would be cut by $35 million, with food safety (NIFSI), IPM Centers, R&D Centers, Organic Transition, FQPA, and international Science and education zeroed out. Water quality would lose $1.7 million.

-EPA’s budget is cut by $3 billion, which is 29% below fiscal year 2010.

*For a full list of the FY 2011 cuts over FY 2010 enacted, please view the table posted here: http://appropriations.house.gov/_files/ProgramCutsFY2011ContinuingResolution.pdf

*Impacts:

-The proposed cuts would cause the layoffs of thousands of scientists, engineers, extension agents, support personnel, and contractors at universities and national laboratories.

-A sharp reduction in the operation of facilities that enable U.S. scientists in industry and universities to perform cutting-edge research.

-Elimination of current government support for hundreds of PhD researchers and graduate students in university research programs all across the country.

-Further declines in the already-low grant success rates at NSF and USDA.

-Cuts to important science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs at the K-12, undergraduate, and graduate levels.

Full details are available here: http://appropriations.house.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=261.

On 10 Feb, the USDA Forest Service unveiled its draft planning rule for managing more than 198 million acres of national forests and grasslands. The plan importantly addresses controversial issues of climate change, timber harvest and conservation. According to the agency, the new rule will improve facilitation of planning efforts, incorporate best available science, engage the public and ensure forests' resilience to climate change, pests and other threats. Moreover, the plan proposes providing a framework to guide collaborative, science-driven land management planning to keep forests both ecologically robust and productive. View proposed plan: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5270250.pdf

On 4 Feb, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced that it will partially deregulate bioengineered sugar beets, which will permit widespread cultivation of the crop, a mainstay of the U.S. sugar industry.  View announcement: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/2011/02/rr_sugar_beets.shtml. The decision, reached only after a long drawn out battle between environmental groups and agriculture industry, applies to Roundup Ready beets developed by the Monsanto Company.  Advocates for biotech see this victory, coming on the heels of the recent full deregulation last week of the company's Roundup Ready alfalfa, as a sweet one.

Sources: American Association for the Advancement of Science; Congressional Quarterly; Cornerstone Government Affairs; E&E Publishing; Food Industry Environmental Network, LLC

Vision: The Societies Washington, DC Science Policy Office (SPO) will advocate the importance and value of the agronomic, crop and soil sciences in developing national science policy and ensuring the necessary public-sector investment in the continued health of the environment for the well being of humanity. The SPO will assimilate, interpret, and disseminate in a timely manner to Society members information about relevant agricultural, natural resources and environmental legislation, rules and regulations under consideration by Congress and the Administration.

This page of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA web site will highlight current news items relevant to Science Policy. It is not an endorsement of any position.