USDA Announces New NIFA Director

On April 24, USDA announced the appointment of Dr. Manjit K. Misra as the new Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The NIFA Director leads the agency’s work in advancing agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. Prior to joining USDA, Dr. Misra served as the Director of the Iowa State University (ISU) Seed Science Center and a Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at ISU.

Misra has directed the Seed Science Center for the past 30 years and has served on more than 60 local, national, and international boards and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Council of the American Seed Research Foundation and the First the Seed Foundation, among others. He is also the recipient of several awards for leadership, including ASTA’s Distinguished Service Award.

“We commend USDA Secretary Vilsack for his outstanding appointment of Dr. Misra to lead NIFA, said ASTA President and CEO, and we look forward to working with him in this important new role.”

For more information on Dr. Misra, view USDA’s press release.