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Published: 29 June 2020 29 June 2020

Washington, D.C., June 29, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released its annual Technology Transfer Report, which highlights agricultural innovations from scientists and researchers that are solving problems for America’s farmers, ranchers, foresters, and consumers; and creating opportunities for American businesses to thrive.

USDA’s total number of income-bearing licenses in Fiscal Year 2019 was 510, total number of active Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) was 278, total number of CRADAs entered by USDA was 95, and total number of new patent applications filed was 97.

“The outcomes and impacts in this comprehensive report represent a tremendous amount of scientific excellence and creativity in finding solutions to complex problems,” said Deputy Under Secretary Scott Hutchins, who leads USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics mission area.

“The value-added innovations highlighted in this report are an example of the strides USDA is making to bring forth the vision set by the USDA Science Blueprint and USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda that Secretary Perdue announced earlier this year.”

New agricultural innovations showcased include development of ‘USDA Red,’ the world’s first red-leaf spinach that has 53 percent higher antioxidant capacity, and a new, responsive, web data collection system for the 2017 Census of Agriculture that enhances the web experience for agricultural producers responding to Ag Census surveys.

“I’m proud to share the incredible work of our dedicated USDA team,” said Hutchins.

BACKGROUND:

USDA issues this report each year on technology transfer activities covering Agricultural Marketing Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Agricultural Research Service, Economic Research Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Forest Service, National Agricultural Statistics Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Rural Development.

Select highlights from the report include (along with corresponding page numbers in the report):