ROSES 2016: Food Security and Agriculture

Full proposal (letter of intent due 2/17/2017).  NASA solicits proposals to enable and advance uses of Earth observations by domestic and international organizations to benefit food security and agriculture. Global food security represents a major societal challenge for the coming decades, and NASA recognizes that space-based Earth observations can provide key information to support the functioning and resilience of food systems.  The solicitation includes two elements: International Food Security and Domestic Agriculture.  Key objectives include: (1) Advance use of Earth observations for enhanced food security and improved agricultural practices, especially for humanitarian pursuits, economic progress, resilience, and sustainability; (2) Increase the adoption of Earth observations applications and broaden the suite of organizations routinely using them to inform decisions and actions; (3) Expand the number of applications developed, tested, and (if successful) adopted across sectors, decision types, and other meaningful factors; (4) Advance understanding of effective ways – both technically and programmatically – to enable sustained applications of Earth observations; (5) Enhance awareness within food security and agricultural communities of upcoming Earth observing satellite missions and encourage the community development of new applications; (6) Advance impact assessment techniques quantifying the benefits of Earth observations, increasing the number of examples and case studies across sectors and decision types; (7) Identify opportunities and topics for possible future investigations; and (8) Advance communication of the benefits of Earth science and observations.