TOOLKITS
MAY 2024 TOOLKIT
ADVANCING AG WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Tomorrow’s college graduates and professionals will be confronted with complex agricultural and natural resources challenges. 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.
Fortunately, land-grant universities are preparing students to launch and advance productive, impactful, and successful careers in a range of professions. These future farmers, ranchers, climate analysts, agronomists, engineers, educators, water resource managers, foresters, urban agriculturists, Extension professionals, and others will serve our communities, nation, and world. 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.
AUGUST 2023 TOOLKIT
YEAR IN REVIEW
The Board on Agriculture Assembly published 11 toolkits over the past year, each one connecting to the key messages developed by our member institutions. We thank you for your commitment to highlight and spread the word about impactful and cutting-edge research, education, and Extension efforts on your campuses and throughout your communities.
JULY 2023 TOOLKIT
INCREASING FOOD SECURITY AND SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL SECURITY
Food insecurity can breed political instability that directly impacts our nation’s security. Americans have felt the impact of rising food costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s war against the Ukraine, global disruptions to the food supply chain, inflation, and other factors. Through research, education, and Extension, our land-grant universities are addressing these complex and multi-faceted challenges.
JUNE 2023 TOOLKIT
GROWING URBAN AND CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE (CEA) TO CULTIVATE RESILIENCE
Land-grant universities provide critical scientific expertise, educational foundations, and community outreach to support urban agriculture and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), and help build a future with increased food security for hundreds of millions throughout the world.