The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), announced nine grants on Wednesday, with a total of over $8 million dollars. These grants were awarded to research centers focused on the study and development of new approaches to the agricultural sector. USDA awarded the Cornell Institute for Climate Smart Solutions $250,000 to partner with the USDA NE Climate Hub and UMD on a Climate Outreach and Extension grant. CICSS will develop a plan for a new Extension Climate Master Volunteer Program to support Climate Smart Communities in the Northeast.