Federal Grant Award Summary

The Pennsylvania State University received a $180,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program (CFDA 10.310) to conduct research on foodborne pathogen contamination risks in hydroponic farming systems. The three-year project, awarded May 1, 2026 and concluding April 30, 2029, will examine how naturally occurring bacterial communities in hydroponic growing substrates—such as rockwool and coconut fiber—affect the survival of Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogenic bacterium that poses serious food safety risks. Research activities will identify bacteria commonly found in hydroponic substrates, test biofilm formation and pathogen interactions through laboratory experiments, and evaluate microbial interactions within operational hydroponic systems with and without plants.

The research is designed to advance food safety knowledge in the rapidly growing hydroponic agriculture sector by providing scientists, farmers, and food safety professionals with evidence-based understanding of microbial behavior in these systems. Results will inform the development of improved food safety practices that protect consumers while supporting sustainable fresh produce production through hydroponic methods. This work aligns with AFRI's Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health priority area and contributes to national food security and safety objectives.