Agriculture Technologies and Innovation
Key Points:
- U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack have sent letters to 16 governors highlighting the funding disparities between land-grant Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their non-HBCU peers in their respective states.
- The letters emphasize the over $12 billion gap in funding between HBCU land-grant institutions and non-HBCU land-grant institutions. This imbalance limits the ability of HBCUs to invest in agricultural technologies and innovation.
- The Secretaries of Education and Agriculture urge the governors to address this disparity and allocate more funds to support HBCU land-grant institutions, which play a crucial role in developing agricultural advancements and promoting diversity in the agricultural sector.
Hot Take:
The funding disparity between HBCU land-grant institutions and non-HBCU land-grant institutions is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. Investing in agriculture technologies and innovation is essential for the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector. By bridging the funding gap and supporting HBCU land-grant institutions, we can foster diversity, research, and development in agriculture, leading to more resilient and environmentally-friendly practices.
Original Article:https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/09/18/secretaries-education-agriculture-call-governors-equitably-fund
