U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator Bonnie Glick announced today at an event in West Lafayette that USAID has awarded $10 million to Purdue University to lead the Agency's first-ever Feed the Future Innovation Lab dedicated to food safety. The Innovation Lab will jointly leverage Purdue University's and Cornell University's expertise and research capacity in this area. Research and innovations developed through this partnership will help developing countries improve the capacity of their food systems to deliver safe and nutritious food for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

Purdue University will use the $10 million grant to manage and implement this research program, with the opportunity for up to $20 million in additional funding from USAID for research tailored to specific countries' needs. This new Feed the Future Innovation Lab will also engage corporate partners to scale innovations and research breakthroughs developed by the lab.

Food safety is a growing concern in emerging economies as consumer demand increases for food that are more susceptible to spoilage and contamination, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. USAID is investing in a set of food safety programs to help countries address this issue as part of an increased Agency focus on improving global nutrition, especially among women and children.

USAID invests in 24 Feed the Future Innovation Labs across the United States. Led by U.S. universities, these labs work with developing country researchers and institutions to create solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in food and nutrition, with a focus on helping poor communities build resilience and escape poverty and hunger.