Centers of Excellence at 1890 Institutions

The Centers of Excellence at 1890 Institutions program has funded the establishment of six Centers to protect and manage domestic natural resources for current and future production of food and agricultural products; develop/apply emerging technologies to increase agricultural productivity; enhance small farm economic viability; improve rural communities by developing genetic and sensor technologies for food and agriculture; provide technology training to farmers; and enhance academic and career development activities for students pursuing careers in the food and agricultural sciences. 1) The overall goal of the Center of Excellence for Farming Systems, Rural Prosperity, and Economic Sustainability is to address the profitability, sustainability and prosperity challenges of small to medium farmers, ranchers, forestland, and rural business owners through adaptive research, technology assessment, development of new processes, and providing educational opportunities. In collaboration with USDA, the private sector, and communities, the Center identifies market opportunities and access to capital and resources to enhance rural prosperity and economic sustainability by introducing innovative technologies, entrepreneurship, broadband/internet, and collaborations into small to medium scale operations. 2) The Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense provides the U.S. with a globally educated workforce to address critical needs in global food security and defense. The Center leverages global knowledge, partnerships, and research to advance the strategic economic and agricultural-focused priorities of the United States and transforms research, innovations, and policy insights into actionable solutions for U.S. farmers, communities, and policymakers. The Center’s work reinforces domestic economic growth and supports national security by building resilient food systems and securing America’s leadership in global agricultural innovation. 3) The primary goal of the Center of Excellence for Nutrition, Health, Wellness, and Quality of Life is to increase the capacities of 1890 institutions to address health disparities through nutrition research, teaching, and Extension. This Center strengthens education programs at 1890 institutions to prepare the next generation of health and lifestyle educators and provides training and education to communities through outreach programs to improve health outcomes. 4) The Center of Excellence for Student Success and Workforce Development supports the improvement of recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of career-ready students at 1890 institutions through collaborative programming, experiential learning, mentorship, and technology integration. The overall goal is to increase the capacity of 1890 institutions to enhance their pipeline of students and their students' readiness to enter the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human (FANH) sciences and STEM workforce. 5) The Center of Excellence for Emerging IoT Technologies for Smart Agriculture brings together a team of agriculture and data scientists, engineers, chemists, and environmentalists who aim to integrate fundamental research and development in emerging IoT technologies to strength U.S. agriculture. The major goals of this Center are: 1) Advance knowledge and research in Emerging Technologies in Agriculture; 2) Establish emerging technologies infrastructure to expand opportunities for student learning and research and solve complex interdisciplinary challenges; and 3) Implement high-impact practices that build a sustained pathway of scholars with workforce development skills in emerging technologies and related disciplines. 6) The goal of the Center of Excellence for Land, Water, and Resource Management is to advance applied research and technology transfer in the stewardship of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on forest and rangeland management, water resource conservation, soil health, and integrated land-use practices that enhance long-term ecological function and productivity. The Center focuses on four multi-disciplinary areas that serve as a platform for advancing integrated natural resource solutions and addressing regional and national priorities while strengthening institutional research capacity and stakeholder engagement.