The International Institute at Mississippi State will host an information session for the Food Systems Innovation Grants Competition on Friday [Feb. 6] at 2 p.m. in 210 Lloyd Ricks Watson Building.

Sponsored by the USAID's Global Development Lab and Michigan State University's Global Center for Food Systems Innovation, this program provides grant funding of up to $500,000 across a wide array of themes including:

-- Weather data for climate-smart agriculture.

-- Improved ability of small holder farmers to adapt to climate variability.

-- Improved ability of agronomic researchers to provide agronomic recommendations.

-- Assistance to small entrepreneurs in food processing.

-- Innovations in the informal food sector.

-- Gender sensitive approaches to improving women's access to urban markets.

-- Marketing meat and dairy without cold chain development.

-- Projecting labor market and skills needs for agribusiness.

-- Improving efficiency of mobile phone-based services by small farmers.

-- Promoting gender equitable access to profitable markets.

The MSU International Institute will provide an overview of the program and facilitate discussion on proposal development and submission. Refreshments will be provided.

If you require special assistance relating to a disability, please contact Madison Poole at 662-325-8632 or at mpoole@international.msstate.edu.