In a move to foster agricultural education and research, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing over $33 million into 1890 Land Grant Universities. This commitment, directed through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), will back 82 initiatives spanning 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities recognized as 1890 Land Grant Universities.

Part of the broader 1890 Capacity Building Grants Program, funds will be channeled into curriculum innovation, faculty enhancement, student engagement, and support for Extension programs. These strategic investments help realize a more versatile and diverse higher-education landscape, equipping institutions to effectively navigate contemporary challenges and seize nascent opportunities.

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small commented on the transformative potential of these funds: “Beyond academic and laboratory confines, the ramifications of this support will manifest in a fortified food ecosystem and an inspired cadre of future agricultural scientists.”

Earlier this month, USDA welcomed 100 new scholars under the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. This scholarship endows students with full tuition and boarding for four years, while pursuing degrees in agricultural sciences at one of 19 designated 1890 Land Grant Universities or Tuskegee University. The initiative aligns young scholars with USDA units, cultivating a pipeline of talent for the nation’s food and agricultural sectors.

NIFA Director, Dr. Manjit K. Misra, highlighted the unique contribution of these universities, expecting this financial infusion to amplify their pioneering efforts. He anticipates groundbreaking projects that will reshape the food and agricultural landscape, promising safety, affordability, and spurring rural prosperity.

All 19 recognized universities are poised to benefit from these efforts. Some projects of note include:

• Virginia State University‘s ventures into augmenting edamame and food-grade soy production and innovating sustainable feed solutions for regional livestock.
• Fort Valley State University in Georgia’s trifold approach: conceptualizing novel vegetable oil blends, exploring reproductive technologies, and fostering agricultural collaboration with Ghana.
• North Carolina A&T State University‘s research into eco-friendly mulch alternatives and enhanced food allergy education for upcoming professionals.

These initiatives complement USDA’s recent $262.5 million endowment to enhance higher education in agriculture. This effort envisions training over 20,000 potential food and agriculture leaders, reflecting USDA‘s dedication to diversity & inclusion.

USDA unveiled two dashboards last June to enhance transparency in NIFA’s funding landscape. These dashboards offer detailed insights into agricultural research funds and streamline the grant application process, underscoring USDA’s commitment to data openness as part of the Year of Open Science drive.