New food technologies and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing how food is produced, processed, and shared, yet many young people and members of the public have limited understanding of…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded $750,000 to the University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc. on April 1, 2026, under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program to develop and deliver hands-on educational experiences for high school students in Georgia and North Carolina through 4-H and FFA programs.

The project addresses the gap between rapid advancement in food technologies—including biotechnology, nanotechnology, and food upcycling—and limited public understanding and workforce preparedness. Students will participate in interactive learning modules explaining how emerging food technologies work and apply a youth-friendly artificial intelligence tool to analyze real-world public opinion about food technologies drawn from social media and news articles. This work requires no prior coding experience from participants. Educators in the delivery programs will receive new resources and training to sustain the curriculum beyond the grant period.

By project completion, students are expected to demonstrate stronger knowledge of food technologies, improved data and artificial intelligence skills, and greater awareness of career opportunities in agriculture, food systems, and technology. The award funds performance through March 31, 2029, with administrative and operational work centered in Athens, Georgia.

New food technologies and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing how food is produced, processed, and shared, yet many young people and members of the public have limited understanding of these innovations. Technologies such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, and food upcycling have the potential to improve food safety, nutrition, and sustainability, but public skepticism and misinformation can slow their adoption and reduce their benefits. At the same time, there is a growing need for a workforce that understands both food systems and emerging technologies. This project addresses these challenges by helping high school students learn about modern food technologies while building practical skills in data analysis and artificial intelligence. The project will develop and deliver hands-on, non-formal educational experiences through 4-h and FFA programs in georgia and north carolina. Students will participate in interactive learning modules that explain how emerging food technologies work and why they matter. They will also use a youth-friendly artificial intelligence tool to analyze real-world public opinions about food technologies drawn from sources such as social media and news articles. Through these activities, students will learn how artificial intelligence can help people understand public concerns, identify misinformation, and support informed decision-making, all without requiring prior coding experience.by the end of the project, students are expected to have stronger knowledge of food technologies, improved data and artificial intelligence skills, and greater awareness of career opportunities in agriculture, food systems, and technology. Educators will gain new resources and training to bring these topics into youth programs, extending the project's impact beyond the grant period. Overall, this project will help prepare a technology-savvy generation of young people, support a safe and secure food supply, and encourage more informed and confident public conversations about emerging food technologies.