As part of efforts to strengthen agricultural development abroad and in America, Ph.D. student Josh Relyea traveled to Colombia for a partner visit with Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA, National Learning Service) from April 12-19, 2026. His advisor, Dr. Matthew Blair, is the PI for the project titled, “Building on Cowpeas for Colombia: Legume Systems…Read more TSU shares legume research in Colombia
CEGFSD special session highlights innovations, tech advancements
The 1890 Universities Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense (CEGFSD), one of six centers of excellence at 1890 universities identified in the 2018 Farm Bill, organized and led a special session at the 2026 Association of Research Directors (ARD) Research Symposium, held in New Orleans from March 28-31, 2026. Convened biennially since…Read more CEGFSD special session highlights innovations, tech advancements
Jamaica-US research helps farm animals beat the heat
As heat waves intensify and extreme storms become more frequent, farmers around the world are facing a pressing challenge: how to protect livestock as the weather itself continues to change. Led by Dr. Ryszard Puchala at Langston University, in collaboration with Tuskegee University, this project is conducted under Phase 4 of the 1890 Center of…Read more Jamaica-US research helps farm animals beat the heat
UMES faculty lead food safety training in the DRC
Food safety remains a global concern with millions of people falling ill and thousands dying each year due to the consumption of contaminated food. Understanding microbiological hazards associated with food and their environments is critical. Equally important is the detection and identification of food- and waterborne pathogens within food systems to prevent and control related…Read more UMES faculty lead food safety training in the DRC
From classroom to community: FAMU students take service learning to Kenya
The College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS) at Florida A&M University (FAMU) continues to lead in global agricultural education through innovative, student-centered programming that integrates academics, service and international engagement. At the center of this effort is AGG 4952: Service Learning in International Agriculture, a signature course led by Harriett A. Paul, director of…Read more From classroom to community: FAMU students take service learning to Kenya
UMES leads efforts to boost quinoa production in US
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
