Federal Grain Inspection Service FGIS is presently developing systematic methods of transferring technologies to the grain inspection system which, when implemented, will provide sound and objective testing procedures to facilitate the efficient marketing of grain and grain related products. A task force was formed to determine the best means of transferring the most effective technologies available to the grain inspection system. A prime example of a successful transfer includes: Near Infrared Reflectance instrumentation was developed by the Agricultural Research Service and refined by the private sector to meet the needs of FGIS and the grain industry. The instrument which provides a quick analysis of grain moisture, protein, oil, and fiber, without classical wet chemical methods, is now being produced by the private sector. Food Safety Inspection Service FSIS is responsible for the safety, wholesomeness, and accurate labeling of meat and poultry products. Most of the agency's technology transfer activities are relative to the development and commercialization of rapid diagnostic tests. FSIS has a Technology Transfer and Assessment Staff which assesses emerging technologies and facilitates transfers. The examples trace a ten-year history of technology transfer activities: • Swab Test for use On Premises (STOP) was developed to determine the presence of antibiotics and residues in animal tissues. • A similar test was developed for the detection of sulfonamides in calves, Calf Antibiotic Sulfa Test (CAST). What started out as an FSIS "quick test" developed into the nucleus of a small commercial business. • One entrepreneur recognized the market for these rapid diagnostic tests and subsequently developed a rapid and portable card test for gentamicin. The FSIS Microbiology Division purchased the cards and worked out the prototcols for agency use. • At least a dozen (12) rapid diagnostic tests have resulted from FSIS and the private sector's working together. Forest Service FS technology transfer programs embrace everything from fire prevention to a wide array of bio-technology and genetic engineering, from utilization of forest products and incentive programs for small woodland owners to computer analysis systems and new organizational management techniques. Examples of Forest Service transfers include: • Laminated wood bridge deck technology can replace either structurally or functionally deficient bridges with savings of 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of current replacement expenditures. • Forests in the Pacific islands of Micronesia and American Samoa are crucial as they protect soils, shorelines, fisheries and fresh water supplies. FS has concentrated efforts on the development of forestry personnel from over 10 different governments: education, on-site seminars and personnel exchange are a few methods of technology transfer used. • 7 formal technology transfer agreements with various non-federal parties. Partnership was formed with a vendor to implement the National Information Management Network. Human Nutrition Information Service HNIS conducts research on food consumption, dietary survey methodology, food composition, nutrition knowledge and attitudes, and dietary guidance and nutrition education techniques. Primary users of the information are nutrition and health professionals, including the private sector. Three major areas of focus are: National Nutrient Data Bank, the most comprehensive data on the nutrient composition of foods, is developed through research and cooperation with industry, trade and outside agencies. • Nationwide Food Consumption Survey data used in research, education and food program planning. • Dietary guidance and nutrition education resources are distributed to nutrition and health educators, and the general public. • Research and education resources are used by private sector firms to develop such products as textbooks and computer software packages. National Agricutural Library NAL is responsible for the organization and dissemination of agriculturally-related information to a variety of end users. Although the Library is not often thought of as having a role in technology transfer, it is often the starting point for researchers. Several examples of recent activities include: • The expansion of the national collection to include the subject of technology transfer itself, as well as other related areas of economic competitiveness, innovation, leadership and critical thinking, taking charge, and state technology programs. • A biotechnology firm needed information on nutrition, feed formulation, and worldwide markets for cultured salmon. Using the technical assistance provided by NAL, the company marketed its product and estimated a sales potential of $75 to $100 million annually. • A group of Federal water quality experts, including some outside of USDA, are experimenting with an electronic communication Networking system to increase their collaborative efforts. Office of Governmental and Public Affairs Office of Information OI coordinates the transfer of new technology over the entire department. Information the Department or its agencies deem of national importance is turned over to OI for release. 1988 Results of OI's coordinating efforts include: ⚫ 1,757 national press materials released. • Weekly Radio Services, containing four weekly series, was distributed to nearly 1,000 radio stations and networks. A fifth, Hispanic Information Service was distributed to more than 200 stations. 3 weekly television programs were broadcast by satellite. 1400 audio teleconferences linked people across the country to discuss department research and programs. Office of International Cooperation and Development OICD's cooperative programs with countries worldwide promote the transfer of new technology, knowledge, information, and skills beneficial to U.S. agriculture and other countries. The following are recent accomplishments of transferring technology into the United States: Research with Yugoslavia and Poland led to the discovery of four insect parasites which are capable of controlling the cereal leaf beetle. The parasites were released in the U.S. and subsequently reduced the cereal leaf beetle problem to one of minor importance. Control of this beetle by chemical means would have cost $100 million in the U.S. ⚫ Trait for resistance to the white rot disease in onions has been transferred (from Egypt) to several commercial cultivars in the U.S. • The technique (from Israel) for control of soilborne pests by solar heating of soils was refined and used on U.S. pistachio and vegetable crops. Estimated value of this technology transfer is about $31 million. • Examples of U.S. technology transferred to other countries include the low-cost extrusion cooker for use in manufacturing nutritious supplementary food products, and the alleviation of the grasshopper/locust threat in northern Africa. Soil Conservation Service SCS's basic mission embodies the effective, efficient transfer of soil and water conservation technology to land users. The agency has just completed an in-depth study of technology management and has also identified 3 main initiatives to improve technology transfer to the public. The following are recent accomplishments: • Computer Assisted Management and Planning System uses data processing techniques and database management systems with application software to assist in planning and installing soil and water conservation practices. |