PHOTO COURTESY TROY S. DARDEN, DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

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.

1890 land-grant institutions include:

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University • Alcorn State University • Central State University • Delaware State University • Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University • Fort Valley State University • Kentucky State University • Langston University • Lincoln University • North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University • Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University • South Carolina State University • Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College • Tennessee State University • Tuskegee University • University of Arkansas Pine Bluff • University of Maryland Eastern Shore • Virginia State University • West Virginia State University

According to the 1890 Foundation, the Centers of Excellence are the flagship initiative of the 1890s system that emphasizes cutting-edge research, dynamic teaching programs to increase academic achievement, and Extension activities. These centers support agricultural production and address nutrition and health disparities. They also build capacity for underserved producers, families, and communities through multidisciplinary and multi-institutional collaboration.

For example, Southern University, the host of the 1890 Center of Excellence for Nutrition, Health, Wellness and Quality of Life, launched a pilot nutrition hub in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in September 2023. The new Agricultural Science Center of Excellence for Nutrition and Diet for Better Health (ASCEND for Better Health) initiative provides science-based, nutrition-related information at the community level, particularly in underserved communities impacted by diet-related chronic diseases.
_{Source: ASCEND for Better Health | Nutrition.gov}

RESEARCH

Tuskegee increases AI use in land-grant programs
Tuskegee University is collaborating with AI FARMS (The Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Future Agricultural Resilience, Management and Sustainability) to integrate new technologies into the university's research, teaching, and Extension infrastructure. AI FARMS is a central hub for interdisciplinary research, aiming to propel fundamental advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and apply these breakthroughs to address global agriculture challenges. The institute prioritizes technologies that impact production practices, emphasizing autonomous farming, efficiency enhancement for livestock operations, environmental resilience, soil health, and technology adoption.
_{Source: Dec.-23-ARD-Updates.pdf (umes.edu)}

Langston University researchers evaluate small ruminate methane emissions
The Langston University Sherman Lewis School of Agricultural and Applied Sciences has expanded its effort to support climate-smart agricultural practices and build sustainability in animal production. The research team has made several discoveries that have been shared with small ruminant producers. Results have shown high levels of effectiveness and are also economically viable. For example, results show that changes in feed ingredients can lower methane production from ruminants. Another effective solution is the supplementation of vegetable oils to lower enteric methane in small ruminants.
_{Source: ARD-Updates-July-23.pdf (umes.edu)}

Early research shows essential oils may improve fruit shelf life
Many people are concerned about chemical residues on fresh produce. Safer alternatives are being studied and developed. One method being studied is using essential oils extracted from various potentially beneficial plants. To safely improve shelf life, Virginia State University researchers are examining the gene expression of several genes that regulate fruit firmness in essential oil-treated strawberries.
_{Source: ARD-Updates_August2023.pdf (umes.edu)}

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

1890 land-grants universities are working closely with USDA to address workforce development needs. For example, USDA’s From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals ("NextGen”) program will enable higher education institutions to engage, recruit, retain, train, and support students in order to build the next generation of the food, agriculture, natural resources, health and human sciences, and USDA workforce.

Minority-serving institutions are leading NextGen projects. USDA’s $262.5 million federal investment will provide training and support to more than 20,000 future food and agricultural leaders through 33 project partners across 24 states resulting in partnerships across more than 60 academic institutions and organizations.
_{Source: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Inaugural “From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals Program” | USDA}

EXTENSION

Nutrition, Health and Wellness of Individuals, Families and Communities
The Delaware State University Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) educates individuals and families in Kent County, Delaware, on how to make informed decisions about wise food choices, safety and budgeting. Working with the peer support and resource center, Brandywine Counseling & Community Services Inc., participants learned basic nutrition, how to achieve the goal of consuming five fruits and vegetables each day, and the importance of physical exercise.

Youths, Families and Communities’ Resilience and Sustainability
Fort Valley State University is empowering Georgia’s underserved youths and families through its Healthy Habits 4-H Village Community Garden Outdoor Research Laboratory of Learning Program. The community garden, located in Sylvester, Georgia (a poverty-stricken rural community of less than 6,200 residents), has fed more than 10,000 people fresh produce from 2014 to 2023 at no cost. The program provides quality healthy living education to community members.

Agricultural Profitability and Sustainability of Small-Scale Farms
Plasticulture production can increase yield and extend the growing season. Small farm owners could benefit from this production method to increase yield and profit; however, plasticulture equipment is expensive. To make plasticulture production more accessible, North Carolina A&T State University Extension created the Plasticulture Rental/Cash Back Program, providing equipment to farmers for rent for $25 per day. Extension agents offer technical assistance on the equipment to small farmers to enhance plasticulture operation.

_{Adapted from: 1890 Extension Transforming Lives (umes.edu)}

For well over a century, the dedicated professionals at the 1890 land-grant institutions have improved Americans lives by strengthened agricultural research, education, and Extension. Today, their essential work is accelerating to solve critical local, national, and global challenges. Through their collaboration within the 1890 system as well as with colleagues at the 1862 land-grants, 1994 (Tribal Colleges and Universities), Alaska-Native and Native Hawai’ian-serving, insular land-grant universities, and Hispanic-serving Institutions, they are building a more equitable and sustainable future for our communities and nation.

SOCIAL MEDIA

SAMPLE POSTS

Celebrating 1890 Land-grant Universities
The #19Strong 1890 #LandGrantUniversities support underserved communities through research and Extension programs focused on healthy eating, physical activity, entrepreneurship, and improving the economic conditions of small farmers. https://landgrantimpacts.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1890-Summary1-BridgingGaps-newBP.pdf

Black History Month
In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, @SCHOOL celebrates the achievements of NAME for THEIR contributions to the advancement of agricultural research: PROJECT

.@SCHOOL celebrates Black Extension educators this #BlackHistoryMonth! Meet NAME, who serves COUNTY/STATE communities. NAME works directly with local producers in our community to share the latest cutting-edge research from @UNIVERSITY.

Feel free to reach out to us with specific posts that you would like @AgIsAmerica to share. Please email your request to Kim Scotto at agcomms@aplu.org or use #AgIsAmerica.

HASHTAGS AND HANDLES

HASHTAGS
#LandGrantUniversities
#AgIsAmerica

HANDLES

Ag is America	@AgIsAmerica
APLU Ag	@APLU_Ag
Sec. Vilsack (Secretary of Agriculture)	@SecVilsack
USDA	@USDA
USDA National Institute of Food & Ag	@USDA_NIFA
APLU	@APLU_News
Cooperative Extension	@Ext100Years

CALENDAR

FEBRUARY HOLIDAYS

MONTHS
American Heart Month, #AmericanHeartMonth
Black History Month, #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM
National Cancer Prevention Month, #CancerPreventionMonth
National Canned Food Month, #CannedFoodMonth
National Cherry Month, #NationalCherryMonth
National Grapefruit Month, #NationalGrapefruitMonth

WEEKS
February 26 – March 3 – National Invasive Species Awareness Week, #NISAW, #InvasiveSpecies (NISAW Toolkit)

DAYS
February 2 – World Wetlands Day, #WorldWetlandsDay
February 9 – National Pizza Day, #NationalPizzaDay
February 14 – Valentine’s Day, #ValentinesDay
February 16 – National Almond Day, #AlmondDay
February 17 – National Cabbage Day, #NationalCabbageDay
February 26 – National Pistachio Day, #NationalPistachioDay
February 27 – National Strawberry Day, #NationalStrawberryDay
_{Source: February - National Day Calendar}

USDA EVENTS & DEADLINES

February 1 – Technical Assistance Webinar: SBIR/STTR FY24 Phase II Request for Applications
NIFA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs offer competitively awarded grants to qualified small businesses to support high quality research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefits. The SBIR/STTR programs stimulate technological innovation and increase private sector commercialization among small businesses, strengthening the national economy by enabling small businesses to undertake — and benefit from — research and development (R&D).

February 6 – Technical Assistance Webinar: Rural Health and Safety Education (RHSE) Grant Program
NIFA program staff will present a webinar describing the FY 2024 Rural Health and Safety Education (RHSE) Grant Program RFA.

February 7 – Technical Assistance Webinar: Higher Education Challenge – FY24 RFA
The purpose of the Higher Education Challenge Grants Program is to strengthen institutional capacities, including curriculum, faculty, scientific instrumentation, instruction delivery systems, and student recruitment and retention, to respond to identified state, regional, national, or international educational needs in the food and agricultural sciences, or in rural economic, community, and business development.

February 7 – Application Deadline: Farm Business Management and Benchmarking Competitive Grants Program
The Farm Business Management and Benchmarking (FBMB) Competitive Grants Program provides funds for improving the farm management knowledge and skills of agricultural producers by maintaining and expanding a national, publicly available farm financial management database to support improved farm management.

February 8 – Application Deadline: Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program
This competitive grants program is intended to promote and strengthen the ability of Hispanic-Serving Institutions to carry out higher education programs in the food and agricultural sciences. Programs aim to attract outstanding students and produce graduates capable of enhancing the Nation's food and agricultural scientific and professional work force.

February 9 – Application Deadline: Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program
The purpose of this program is to support research, education/teaching, and extension projects that increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in STEM. NIFA intends this program to address educational needs within broadly defined areas of food and agricultural sciences.

February 13 – Application Deadline: Methyl Bromide Transition Program
The Methyl Bromide Transition Program (MBT) addresses the immediate needs and the costs of transition that have resulted from the phase-out of the pesticide methyl bromide. Methyl bromide has been a pest and disease control tactic critical to pest management systems for decades for soilborne and postharvest pests.

February 13 – Application Deadline: Food Safety Outreach Program
The Food Safety Outreach Program will complement and expand the national infrastructure of the National Food Safety Training, Education, Extension, Outreach, and Technical Assistance Competitive Grants Program. The Food Safety Outreach Program will build upon that national infrastructure, with a sustained focus on delivery of customized training to members of the target audiences.

February 15 – Application Deadline: Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI)
The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) seeks to solve critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research, education, and extension activities. The purpose of this program is to fund projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products.

February 15 – Application Deadline: Children, Youth, and Families at Risk Sustainable Community Projects
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USDA announces the Children, Youth, and Families at Risk (CYFAR) funding program to improve the quality and quantity of comprehensive community-based programs for at-risk children, youth, and families supported by the Cooperative Extension System. The CYFAR program mission is to marshal resources of the Land-Grant and Cooperative Extension Systems to develop and deliver educational programs that equip limited resource families and youth who are at-risk for not meeting basic human needs with the skills they need to lead positive, productive, contributing lives.

February 15 – Application Deadline: Crop Protection and Pest Management
The purpose of the Crop Protection and Pest Management program is to address high priority issues related to pests and their management using IPM approaches at the state, regional and national levels. The CPPM program supports projects that will ensure food security and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health.

February 21 – Technical Assistance Webinar: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) RFA
The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) supports projects that provide education, outreach, and technical assistance for beginning farmers and ranchers in the United States and its territories to enter and/or improve their success in farming, ranching, and management of nonindustrial private forest lands; and provide beginning farmers and ranchers the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make informed decisions for their operations and enhance their sustainability.

February 23 – Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Listening Session
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will host a listening session to hear stakeholder feedback regarding all aspects of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). During the listening session, stakeholders may share their feedback with NIFA representatives live or via webinar.

February 28 – Application Deadline: Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas
The purpose of these programs is to promote and strengthen the ability of eligible institutions in the Insular Areas to carry out education within the food, agricultural and natural resource sciences. RIIA projects strengthen institutional educational capacities, including libraries, curriculum, faculty, scientific instrumentation, instruction delivery systems, and student recruitment and retention, in order to respond to education needs in the food and agricultural sciences.

February 28 – Application Deadline: GusNIP Produce Prescription Program
The primary goal and objective of the GusNIP Produce Prescription Program is to demonstrate and evaluate the impact of projects on (1) the improvement of dietary health through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables; (2) the reduction of individual and household food insecurity; and (3) the reduction in healthcare use and associated costs.

February 29 – Application Deadline: Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program
The purpose of the Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program (BRAG) program is to support the generation of new information that will assist Federal regulatory agencies in making science-based decisions about the effects of introducing into the environment genetically engineered organisms (GE), including plants, microorganisms — such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses — arthropods, fish, birds, mammals and other animals excluding humans.

_{Source: Upcoming Events | National Institute of Food and Agriculture (usda.gov)}