TOOLKITS
AUGUST 2024 TOOLKIT
YEAR IN REVIEW
On behalf of the FANR team, thank you for your dedication to spreading the word about the innovative and impactful research, education, and Extension efforts on your campuses and in communities and regions. This month, we would like to provide a compilation of the previous 11 toolkits (September 2023 – July 2024). As always, we welcome your feedback.
JULY 2024 TOOLKIT
LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES: FORTIFYING FOOD SECURITY AND PROTECTING NATIONAL SECURITY
Land-grant universities address long-term challenges that impact domestic and international food security and national security issues. Global food security is a critical U.S. national security concern because regional conflicts arise when people do not have access or cannot afford food and other essential staples. Conflicts displace farmers, destroy agricultural assets, disrupt markets, increase prices, and damage livelihoods. In this vicious circle, lack of food can too often lead to violence. Universities are key partners with the U.S. government’s efforts to increase food security at home and around the world.
JUNE 2024 TOOLKIT
AVIAN INFLUENZA
Public and land-grant universities are at the forefront of research, education, and Extension efforts to develop and disseminate research findings that can prevent or minimize avian influenza outbreaks. Examples include advancing surveillance, early detection, and effective biosecurity control practices that block disease from entering farms or poultry flocks.
MAY 2024 TOOLKIT
ADVANCING AG WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
There is currently a strong demand and low supply for prepared college graduates with interest and expertise in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources and the environment. Land-grant universities are preparing students to launch and advance impactful careers in a range of professions. LGUs’ workforce development initiatives also support employers’ needs and drive economic competitiveness.
APRIL 2024 TOOLKIT
ENHANCING WATER EFFICIENCY AND MANAGEMENT
Our nation depends on a safe, ample, and reliable water supply for its agricultural productivity, economic prosperity, environmental safety, and public health. LGUs play a crucial role in increasing water efficiency and improving management practices through agricultural research, education, and Extension.
MARCH 2024 TOOLKIT
LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES COLLABORATING TO INCREASE PRODUCERS’ PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITS
Through research, education, and Extension, land-grant universities accelerate scientific progress, offer world-class education, and deliver practical solutions in support of our nation’s food producers. Farmers and ranchers are confronted with rapidly evolving, complex challenges as they work to provide safe, affordable, ample, and nutritious food supply. In a broad spectrum of ways, land-grant universities help producers improve their operations, lower expenses, and boost profitability to benefit their bottom lines.
FEBRUARY 2024 TOOLKIT
CELEBRATING 1890 LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES
Black History Month provides a timely opportunity to reflect on the 1890 land-grant institutions’ impactful work and ongoing efforts that are shaping a more promising future. Throughout its 134-year distinguished history, these higher education institutions have played crucial roles in advancing agricultural research, education, and Extension to enhance the quality of life in their underserved communities. Through their expertise, collaboration, and dedication, 1890 institutions are continuing to build a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future throughout our nation.
JANUARY 2024 TOOLKIT
INNOVATING FOR THE FUTURE: CLIMATE-SMART SOLUTIONS
Through their research, education, and Extension, land-grant universities are vital to innovate, increase knowledge, and implement climate-smart agricultural practices. Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, in strong partnerships with farmers, ranchers, and USDA, provide important opportunities to develop and implement solutions. These collaborations are crucial to protect land, water, animals, and crops while minimizing climate-related impacts on food, fiber, and fuel systems in the United States and globally.
DECEMBER 2023 TOOLKIT
CONNECTING AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND HEALTH
Land-grant universities play crucial and innovative roles in connecting agriculture, nutrition, and health through research, education, and Extension. They are also key partners in federal initiatives to improve public health through efforts such as advancing responsive agriculture and precision nutrition.
NOVEMBER 2023 TOOLKIT
GIVING THANKS: STORIES FROM OUR COMMUNITIES
APLU’s Office of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources (FANR) team expresses our deep gratitude to the dedicated research, education, and Extension professionals, administrators, and staff at our member universities. Their vision, dedication, and hard work are essential to feed our families on Thanksgiving and every day. Each land-grant university has its own powerful stories about the individuals and teams who work on a broad range of complicated issues in their local communities as well as regionally, nationally, and internationally.
OCTOBER 2023 TOOLKIT
PROTECTING ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH
Land-grant university researchers, educators, and Cooperative Extension professionals are essential to protect animal and plant health. The three pillars of the land-grant university mission (research, education, and Extension) are exemplified by critical scientific exploration; collaborative, expansive education; and actionable, valuable information for communities. By strengthening the health of plants and animals, the land-grant system is safeguarding our national and global food supply.
SEPTEMBER 2023 TOOLKIT
BUILDING THE FUTURE
Land-grant university educators face an ever-changing educational environment along with complex, challenging, and critical responsibilities. Through classroom and hands-on learning, graduate and undergraduate student research opportunities, and local and state-wide community outreach, these impressive educators inspire learners to embrace challenges as opportunities, work collaboratively, and expand their perspectives.