Hi GOAT Friends, 
I learned a little about an NSF project that’s in the final proposal rounds (so if it funds, it will start cranking in 2025 some time). It has the somewhat offputting name “FutureFood Engine” but an attractive 150+ million budget over 10 years. My institution (UC ANR) is kind of helping to lead the charge but ANR is a big outfit so I don’t know much about it
Their project description is something like: “The FutureFood Engine aims to transform the U.S. food system by integrating advanced technologies with sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative focuses on making food
production more resilient, efficient, and equitable. By leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and climate-smart practices, the FutureFood Engine seeks to create a sustainable food ecosystem that meets the growing demand for nutritious and environmentally friendly products
while reducing the impacts of climate change.” So like AI+regenerative + climate smart stuff + jobs and community economic development, all in my neighborhood of “forgotten” northern Cali and northern Nevada. It’s very ambitious.
I’ll include their two page fact sheet here. Sing out if you think it sounds yummy and want to help AI-ify open source tools or open sourcify AI source tools. @nat, is this anything you have heard rumblings or conversations about at The VINE?
