Tom Vilsack Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Official Website
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on May 17, 2024, an investment of $30.8 million to bolster research and extension capacity across all 19 of America’s designated 1890 historically black Land-grant Universities. The funding is part of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) 1890 Institution Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants Program, aimed at supporting scientific research addressing some of the nation's most challenging agricultural issues.
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small said during her spring semester tour across various colleges in the country, she observed how Land-grant Universities are preparing students for a future that directly responds to the most pressing challenges in agriculture. "As leaders, it’s our responsibility to make sure we have a Department and a good system that is ready for them,” she added.
During her tour, Torres Small visited several institutions including Virginia State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Fort Valley State University, South Carolina State University and Southern University. She heard from faculty and students about the need to continue strengthening partnerships with USDA to develop and deploy cutting-edge research and innovations that would support farmers and communities while combatting climate change and nutrition insecurity.
NIFA Director Dr. Manjit Misra said the investment will strengthen the ability of 1890 Land-grant Universities to deliver innovative solutions that address emerging agricultural challenges impacting diverse communities. “Building the research and training capacity of the nation’s universities is critical as they continue to develop and guide the next generation of agricultural leaders,” he stated.
Amongst FY 2023 awardees were Alabama A&M University (4 awards); Alcorn State University (5 awards): Central State University (2 awards); Delaware State University (3 awards); Florida A&M University (6 awards): Fort Valley State University (4 awards): Kentucky State University (4 awards); Langston University (2 awards); Lincoln University (4 awards): North Carolina A&T State University (1 award): Prairie View A&M University (4 awards); South Carolina State University (1 award); Southern University (3 awards); Tennessee State University (5 awards); Tuskegee University (2 awards); University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (4 awards); University of Maryland Eastern Shore (5 awards); Virginia State University (1 award); and West Virginia State University (8 awards).
The USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America.
