The Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded $650,000 under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative competitive grants program (CFDA 10.310) to the Agricultural Research Service located in Calverton, Maryland. The three-year project grant aims to develop modified folate analysis methods for plant tissues and confirm the function of folate binding proteins to elevate folate levels in tomatoes, with the goal of biofortifying the crop. Specifically, the awardee will 1) test new folate analysis techniques needed by plant breeders and nutrition researchers, 2) study folate binding proteins in tomatoes to increase folate content as an example for other fruit crops, 3) analyze human gut uptake of elevated folate, 4) determine if folate binding proteins enhance folate nutrition in fruit, and 5) create folate-biofortified tomatoes for small and large growers. The project's products and services aim to provide greater food and nutrition security through a more nutritious food supply.
Mod # | Description | Reason For Modification | Federal Obligation (Click to sort descending) | Date (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | $650.0k | 4/5/23 |