Quinoa consumption has been steadily rising in the United States as consumers become increasingly aware of the health benefits of this nutrient-dense grain crop. Quinoa is rich in fiber, proteins, minerals and vitamins, and can be effectively used to supplement staples such as wheat and rice in the daily diet. Quinoa cultivation in the U.S….Read more UMES leads efforts to boost quinoa production in US
CEGFSD Side Event fosters collaboration and innovation for food security
For the second time, the CEGFSD organized the World Food Prize Side Event on Oct. 23, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. Under the theme “Collaborative partnerships and innovation for global food security, an 1890 land-grant perspective,” the side event aimed to synergize the collective capacity across nineteen 1890 land-grant universities to address critical issues of…Read more CEGFSD Side Event fosters collaboration and innovation for food security
CEGFSD scientists tackle plant, animal pest challenges to boost food safety
Dr. Simon Zebelo of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is leading international efforts to strengthen food safety systems, pest management, and scientific capacity through research, training, and global collaboration. His work is supported by the Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense (CEGFSD) at UMES, which is funded by USDA-NIFA and…Read more CEGFSD scientists tackle plant, animal pest challenges to boost food safety
Researchers target nature-based control of corn pest
In alignment with the CEGFSD’s second broad goal, “Addressing new and emerging animal and plant pests and diseases that cross borders,” a collaborative research and outreach initiative between Alcorn State University (ASU) in the U.S. and Nangui Abrogoua University (UNA), Côte d’Ivoire, was carried out as part of the 1890 Center of Excellence for Global…Read more Researchers target nature-based control of corn pest
Globally Competent Workforce: A Student Perspective
A Kentucky State University student presented research at the 2026 Southern Rural Sociological Association. Themed “Distilling Change: Rural Roots & River Currents in the New South,” the 57th annual conference took place Feb. 1-2, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky. This conference brought practitioners, scholars, students and storytellers together at a shared platform to explore rural livelihoods…Read more Globally Competent Workforce: A Student Perspective
UMES trains small farmers on innovative technologies
The training of University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN) agricultural technicians at the UNIKIN farm has received notice. In June 2024, University of Maryland Eastern Shore faculty and staff — including Drs. Nadine Burton, Simon Zebelo and Stephan Tubene — trained UNIKIN agricultural technicians on plasticulture and drip irrigation systems. Plasticulture, a mulch used to cover the…Read more UMES trains small farmers on innovative technologies
Lincoln symposia series tackles emerging pests, diseases
Lincoln University conducts five international disease symposia in its contribution to the Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense (CEGFSD). These events were designed to foster international partnerships with Latin American peers that would strengthen agricultural integrity in developing countries and engage international researchers in addressing new and emerging pests and diseases. To…Read more Lincoln symposia series tackles emerging pests, diseases
South Carolina State works to empower women gardeners
South Carolina State University, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia through the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), and with strategic support from the U.S. Embassy in Banjul, has actively worked with local women gardeners to develop sustainable vegetable production systems and a rural cooperative business and marketing strategy. This initiative, supported by the…Read more South Carolina State works to empower women gardeners
Farmers get training in intercropping, food preservation
Food insecurity remains a major challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, and it’s still the major contributor to protein-energy malnutrition. A gradual stagnation of agricultural productivity in recent years has been a major concern, given the continuous population growth. Yet, smallholder farmers lack basic agricultural inputs, financial support and extension services. Delaware State University (DSU) and Kentucky…Read more Farmers get training in intercropping, food preservation
University partnership seeks to enhance farm productivity
The project site, Ithanga, Murang’a County, is in the eastern region of Kenya, known for its low midland landscape, and situated in a semiarid agroecological zone. This area experiences prolonged dry spells and significant moisture stress, which affects agricultural productivity and local ecosystems. The project’s main objective is to enhance agricultural productivity and improve food…Read more University partnership seeks to enhance farm productivity
