Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation [to 21 May 2016]
https://www.moore.org/news

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May 13, 2016
Moore Foundation commits $31M to deepen understanding of ocean microbial ecosystems as a pillar of microbiome science
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation will provide $31 million in research grants during the next four years to uncover a deeper understanding of microbial ecosystems in the sea and their role in supporting the ocean’s food webs and global elemental cycles.

“The Moore Foundation has been a steady supporter of fundamental research in microbial science,” said Robert Kirshner, Ph.D., chief program officer for science at the Moore Foundation. “We want to help deepen understanding of these fascinating natural systems: we have confidence that advances in biology will benefit society.”

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy will announce the funding this afternoon at its event on microbiomes—communities of microorganisms that live on and in people, animals, plants, soil and the ocean.

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May 12, 2016
Brazilian soy agreement renewed indefinitely: provides long-term conservation of the Amazon
The landmark Soy Moratorium, a primary outcome of the foundation’s support of the Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM) and the subject of extensive research by the University of Wisconsin’s Holly Gibbs, has been renewed indefinitely–a boon for long-term conservation of the Amazon. Originally renewed on an annual basis, the moratorium aims to prevent soy trade linked to deforestation, and ensure producers and trading companies can continue to rely on forest-friendly Amazon soy.

Soy tops the list of exports of agricultural commodities in Brazil, having generated $31.27 billion in revenue in 2015. This agreement guarantees market access only to soy that is free from deforestation, slave labor or threats to indigenous lands.

For more information about this announcement, see the press release from Greenpeace USA: Brazilian Soy Moratorium Renewed Indefinitely…