Strategic Research Initiative
(SRI) Program
In 1998, C-FAR established the Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) Program
to implement a targeted, multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional team
approach to addressing major concerns and opportunities for Illinois' food,
agricultural, and related industries and consumers. This unique approach
encourages collaboration among the state universities and other research
entities throughout Illinois and brings together the state's top scientists
to work together for a common cause.
The following SRIs were selected for funding beginning
in FY04. Total funding amounts are provided below.
Projects Funded through the FY05 Strategic Research Initiative Program
Illinois Livestock Integrated Focus Teams (IL LIFT)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Michael Hutjens, Animal Sciences, University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign
4-year
Total Funding: $370,263
Description: This SRI
addresses the economic and social challenges facing Illinois'
livestock industry today. This four-year initiative will
focus on livestock facility siting in Illinois, using Illinois
byproduct feeds in livestock feeding programs, pasture-based
forage systems to sustain Illinois livestock producers,
and animal identification for enhanced food quality and
monitoring livestock health.
Biomass Energy Crops for Power and Heat Generation in Illinois: Diversifying
Cropping, Improving Energy Security and Benefiting the Environment
Principal Investigator: Dr. Stephen
Long, Crop Sciences and Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
5-year
Total Funding: $1,199,096
Description: This research initiative aims to provide
Illinois with the foundation and technology leadership for large-scale
cultivation of
biomass crops. Researchers will focus on the use of Miscanthus, a perennial
rhizomatous grass, as a potential renewable energy source for Illinois
and profitable alternative
crop for Illinois producers.
Water Quality with a Focus on Total Maximum Daily
Loads
Principal Investigator: Dr. George Czapar, University of Illinois Extension
3-year
Total Funding: $1,475,093
Description: This SRI continues the efforts of the former
water quality SRI with a new focus on total maximum daily loads (TMDLs).
The goals of this
research initiative are to help develop the scientific basis for nutrient
standards in
the surface waters of Illinois and to assist in the appropriate development
and implementation of TMDLs. The research team works closely with the Illinois
EPA
and Illinois Department of Agriculture.
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