AFRI – FAS Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance Across the Food Chain (A1366)

Program Area Priority: Innovative solutions to the complex problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food and agriculture are most effectively addressed by inter-disciplinary teams of experts using a systems approach. This systems-based integrated program will empower inter-disciplinary teams to develop, refine, and disseminate science-based knowledge about food and agricultural management and production practices that can mitigate or reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance along the food chain. Approaches can span AMR knowledge gaps to include but not limited to stewardship and behavioral changes in food and agriculture. The goal is to ensure safe, nutritious and abundant food supply while conserving and protecting responsible use of antimicrobials across the food and agriculture domain.

Applications must address at least one of the following:

a. Describe, quantify, assess, and/or mitigate the risk to human health from the presence of AMR pathogens or genes persisting at various critical control points along the food chain from production through processing to retail, and human consumption;

b. Investigate and assess important factors, such as fitness and virulence associated with foodborne AMR pathogens that contribute to AMR development and persistence leading to foodborne illness;

c. Identify risk associated with antimicrobial use and pathways in livestock and crop systems, AMR development, and public health;

d. Assess AMR in food and agriculture: challenges for small-scale or historically underserved producers; and/or e. Determine improved best management practices and approaches in antibiotic stewardship and trusted resources for communicating and dispensing antibiotic stewardship information and guidance.