Flour made from chardonnay grape seeds that can prevent weight gain and increases in cholesterol levels is among the food science breakthroughs discovered by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers in 2013. The developments are part of the agency’s technology transfer program.
“Studies have shown that every dollar invested in agricultural research returns $20 to the economy. We have accelerated commercialization of federal research and government researchers are working closely with the private sector to develop new technology and transfer it to the marketplace,” said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA has a proven track record of performing research that benefits the public.”
Trough its partnerships with outside investigators at universities and small and large businesses, the USDA developed 180 inventions, filed 147 patent applications and received 51 patents during the last fiscal year. In years past, these partnerships have developed hundreds of innovations including frozen orange juice concentrate, “permanent press” cotton clothing, the system that enabled mass production of penicillin during World War II, most varieties of blueberries and citrus fruits and “Tifsport,” a turf used at by the National Football League, many collegiate teams. And “Tifeagle,” a similar turf designed for PGA putting greens.
Fiscal 2013’s innovations included energy efficient ways to to turn yard waste into bioenergy, old tires into zinc fertilizer and a computer-based model of the fluid milk process that lower greenhouse gas emissions. Already distributed to more than 100 processors throughout the country, the model should help the dairy industry realize its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent per gallon of milk by the year 2020.
In the food safety area, researchers developed small packets that can help fresh fruit stay fresh longer. When inserted into small fruit containers the packets releases an antimicrobial vapor that helps the fruit stay fresh. To read more about the USDA’s innovations, click the link above,
