Ag Tech Investments News

Washington: Results of investments in scientific research including 222 new inventions, 94 patents awarded and 125 new patent applications filed in 2015 are released by The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

New agriculture-related discoveries, inventions and processes made by USDA researchers, universities and small businesses with the potential for commercial application are included in the USDA Annual Report on Technology Transfer.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “The work of USDA scientists and the private research we fund improves the lives of all Americans. From permanent press cotton clothing, mass production of penicillin, frozen orange juice to the most effective and widely-used mosquito repellents, our scientists and research partners have changed the world and every year their work leads to new advances. Studies show that every dollar invested in agricultural research returns $20 to our economy. Given that track record, we're aggressively working to speed the development and transfer of new technologies to the marketplace."

The full 2015 Technology Transfer Report, as well as a look at previous USDA research and discoveries, is available on the ARS website. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA's principal intramural scientific research agency administer the USDA's technology transfer program.

Since 2009, in research both intramural and extramural, USDA has invested $19 billion. Research conducted by USDA scientists has resulted in 883 patent applications filed, 405 patents issued and 1,151 new inventions disclosures covering a wide range of topics and discoveries, during that time.

To find solutions to agricultural problems affecting the everyday lives of all Americans, providing open data to ensure a safe, stable food supply and supporting a competitive agricultural economy for producers, businesses and their communities, USDA scientists and research agencies work.