TOOLKITS
APRIL 2026 TOOLKIT
FUELING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THRIVING COMMUNITIES
Land-grant universities stimulate economic growth by aligning research, education, and Extension with the needs of farmers, entrepreneurs, and businesses across the nation. These institutions translate discovery into practical solutions that expand markets, strengthen industries, develop new products, help producers navigate economic shifts, equip businesses with essential expertise, and create jobs. Together, these efforts support sectors including food production, forestry, agritourism, trade, and others. In doing so, land-grant universities serve as engines of thriving local economies and resilient communities.
MARCH 2026 TOOLKIT
BUILDING RESILIENT WATER SYSTEMS
A safe and reliable water supply is critical for profitable agriculture, healthy people, and thriving communities. Through their integrated mission of research, education, and Cooperative Extension, land-grant universities are uniquely positioned to address the increasing pressures on our nation’s water resources. From equipping farmers with smarter water-use practices and engaging residents in conservation, they deliver measurable results that strengthen both environmental and economic resilience.
FEBRUARY 2026 TOOLKIT
BUILDING RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS
Land-grant universities play a critical role in advancing resilient food systems that ensure communities across the nation have reliable access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food—today and in the future. In a rapidly changing world, land-grant universities are vital to fortify food systems that promote public health, protect natural resources, drive economic development, and increase producers’ productivity and profitability.
January 2026 TOOLKIT
THE LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY SYSTEM’S UNIQUE POWER: ACCELERATING DISCOVERY, DEVELOPING THE WORKFORCE, AND DELIVERING SOLUTIONS
America’s land-grant universities strengthen the nation through a powerful and unique combination of research, education, and Cooperative Extension. These universities create new discoveries, educate the future workforce, and deliver practical solutions to communities across the United States. They are on the forefront of protecting our nation’s farms, supporting rural economies, improving public health, and ensuring that everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.
DECEMBER 2025 TOOLKIT
THE LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: CREATING AND DELIVERING SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES
Public and land-grant universities build a stronger nation by tackling complex challenges to improve public health. By focusing on the intersections of agriculture, nutrition, and health, these universities reduce diet-related diseases, strengthen food safety, curb antimicrobial resistance, advance nutrition security, and more.n.
NOVEMBER 2025 TOOLKIT
A SEASON OF GRATITUDE: GIVING THANKS TO OUR COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS AT PUBLIC AND LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES
As family and friends gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, many of us reflect upon all that we are grateful for in our lives and communities. APLU’s Office of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources (FANR) team expresses our deep appreciation to the dedicated professionals, administrators, and staff at our member universities. Their vision, expertise, and determination ensure that families across the nation and world have access to a safe and stable food supply.
OCTOBER 2025 TOOLKIT
ADVANCING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURE
America’s public and land-grant universities form a powerful national network that is shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture. With their unique mission of research, education, and Extension, these universities are at the forefront of leveraging AI, automation, large-scale data and a range of emerging technologies to tackle our nation’s most pressing agricultural challenges and create exciting new opportunities.
SEPTEMBER 2025 TOOLKIT
BUILDING SOLUTIONS: FUNDING FOR THE RESEARCH FACILITIES ACT
In 2015, APLU’S Board on Agriculture Assembly (BAA) and our 115 member institutions put a bold vision into action: To substantially increase federal support of agricultural research infrastructure.
On July 4, 2025, this became a reality with the signing of the Reconciliation bill that provides $1.125 billion ($125 million annually for 9 years) of mandatory funding for the Research Facilities Act (RFA). This monumental federal investment resulted from the land-grant community’s very clear and impactful message, focused national advocacy campaign, tremendous engagement from members and stakeholders, and a commitment to the prosperity and success of American agriculture.
AUGUST 2025 TOOLKIT
YEAR IN REVIEW
On behalf of APLU’s Office of Food, Agriculture & Natural Resources, thank you for your dedication to highlighting your university’s impactful agricultural research, education, and Extension efforts that profoundly benefits local communities and our nation. This month, we provide a compilation of the previous 11 toolkits and Spotlights.
July 2025 TOOLKIT
PROTECTING PLANT AND ANIMAL HEALTH
Land-grant universities (LGUs) play a vital role in safeguarding the health of plants and animals. Through innovative research, world-class education, and impactful outreach, LGUs equip farmers and ranchers with practical solutions to address a wide range of destructive, complex, and expensive challenges. By confronting existing and emerging threats including diseases, pests, and pathogens, LGUs strengthen our nation’s food supply and build a resilient future.
JUNE 2025 TOOLKIT
COMBATTING DESTRUCTIVE INVASIVE SPECIES
Estimates of the damage to U.S. agriculture caused by invasive species are up to $137 billion per year. Land-grant universities are at the forefront of research, education, and outreach to develop and apply new and emerging technologies and practices that more effectively detect, monitor, and control invasive species.
MAY 2025 TOOLKIT
INVESTING IN TODAY’S STUDENTS FORTIFIES TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE AND ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS
United States’ companies need skilled and prepared employees to thrive, boost profits, and ultimately strengthen economic competitiveness. Land-grant universities equip students with essential critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills to launch and advance successful, productive careers in a wide range of agricultural-related professions.