Shibbir Ahmed, WASHINGTON DC — The U.S. Department of State has announced eight Feed the Future Innovation Labs in partnership with American land-grant universities to advance agricultural research, address global threats to food production, and strengthen supply chains that benefit American farmers, businesses, and consumers.
According to a media note released Thursday, the initiative will support research into agricultural challenges that cross national borders, including crop pests, livestock diseases, and declining soil fertility. The department said the research will help protect American farms and food supplies from emerging threats while delivering direct benefits to U.S. taxpayers.
Research focused on animal health, cereal crops, and soil fertility is expected to help safeguard American agricultural producers. Additional work on coffee, cacao, and peanuts will strengthen supply chains for products consumed by Americans.
The initiative also aims to improve agricultural productivity in developing countries, potentially creating new markets for American businesses, farmers, trade organizations, and research institutions.
The State Department said investments in international agricultural research led by U.S. universities generate an estimated $8 in returns for every $1 invested. According to the department, these investments also help maintain American universities’ leadership in agricultural science and support the training of the next generation of researchers across the United States.
The eight Innovation Labs will operate through seven American universities. Auburn University will host the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fertilizer and Soil Health, while the University of Florida will lead the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for High Value Crops — Safeguarding Agriculture, Food, and Economy, known as SAFE.
The University of Georgia will host the Feed the Future Food Innovation Lab for Peanut, while the University of Hawaii will lead the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Coffee and Cacao.
Kansas State University will host two programs: the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Cereals and the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Sustainable Intensification of Targeted Agricultural Systems, known as SITAS. Mississippi State University will host the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish, and Washington State University will lead the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Animal Health.
The department said the initiative combines American university expertise with international agricultural research to address threats to food production, strengthen global agricultural supply chains, and expand economic opportunities for American farmers and businesses.
