In a significant move towards promoting agricultural research and education, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced an investment of $33 million to boost agricultural programs at 19 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). These institutions are recognized as the 1890 land-grant universities1.
The 1890 Land-Grant Institutions National Program has a long-standing legacy of supporting agricultural research, education, and extension programs at HBCUs. Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, a prominent 1890 land-grant institution, is set to receive a considerable portion of this investment. The university has been awarded roughly $1.5 million, which will be dispersed among three crucial agricultural programs1.
Breaking down the allocation:
- Approximately $598,814 will back research on drone technology and its application in modern farming.
- Another $600,000 is earmarked for studying obesity and nutrigenomics, a crucial aspect of human health that combines the science of nutrition and genomics.
- The remaining $497,884 will be dedicated to research on a specific perennial flower species and its influence on honey production1.
Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles, have been making waves in the agricultural sector due to their versatility. As Spectrum News agriculture expert Andy Vance noted, “We use these unmanned aerial vehicles for a lot of different things now in farming, and there are even more things we could use them for.” But Vance didn’t just emphasize the technical aspects. He delved into the cultural and historical significance of this investment.
The original land-grant mission, established in 1870, aimed at educating Ohio citizens in agriculture and mechanical sciences. Unfortunately, this mission initially left out certain communities. It was only with the Second Morrill Act of 1890 that the land-grant was extended to people of color1.
Vance highlighted the transformative power of this act and the commitment of the USDA to equitable education. “Well, one of the things that’s really important about the land-grant mission is the idea that we’re educating the sons and daughters of the state,” Vance remarked. He further added, “And so now we have programs at the US Department of Agriculture, like this particular funding opportunity, targeted just to those HBCUs to make sure that we’re doing a good job of getting resources to everyone who can potentially help advance the science.”
The investment by the USDA in HBCU agricultural programs is not merely about funds. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of inclusivity, equity, and forward-thinking. By providing resources to these universities, the USDA reaffirms its commitment to leveling the educational playing field and ensuring that the bright minds at HBCUs have the support they need to drive innovation and advancement in the agricultural sector.
As we look towards a future where technology, research, and inclusivity intersect, it’s initiatives like these that pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous society.
For further details on the individual projects funded by the USDA, visit the provided link in the original article.
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