Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the creation of the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, and the appointment of a 15-member board of directors.

The 15 voting members of the board include a former agriculture secretary, a number of university professors, a representative from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, an executive of Cargill, and one farmer – National Corn Growers Association Chairwoman Pam Johnson of Iowa.

“Advancing American agriculture cannot be done without advancing the critical research to make sure we increase production in an economically and environmentally sustainable way,” Johnson said. “As someone who has long held an interest in ag research and has long believed in its importance, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve my country and my industry in this foundation.”

The research funded by the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research will address issues including plant and animal health; food safety, nutrition and health; renewable energy, natural resources, and environment; agricultural and food security; and agriculture systems and technology.