Supporting entrepreneurs, building stronger economies and fortifying food systems

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2025, Alaska, Central State University, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Ohio, Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

The Land-grant University System empowers entrepreneurs, strengthens local economies and fortifies food systems in communities across the United States. Through their research, education and Extension initiatives, these institutions spark advancements that accelerate economic development and advance food security, ensuring resilient and strong communities.

Here are a few examples of that work:

Santa Fe County has experienced a decline in the number of farms and a decrease in net cash income, highlighting the need for initiatives that address gaps in income between growing seasons, particularly for Native and Indigenous growers. The “Making a Living on 5 Acres or Less” program supports entrepreneurs in New Mexico. Participants gained practical skills for defining business goals, accessing funding, applying new marketing strategies and fostering relationship-building.
New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service. See full statement.
Researchers and Extension educators in Ohio are leading a multidisciplinary team of other universities, including historically Black land-grants and Tribal colleges, that are investigating hemp as a safe and affordable feed for aquaculture. Increasing land-based aquaculture production of fish using hemp as a feed ingredient could increase economic markets and production for both seafood and hemp and improve human health.
Central State University; AFRI. See full statement.
Extension professionals in Alaska are strengthening community resilience and reducing the state’s food security risks. Increased programming means nutrition and food safety information now reaches at least 90% of Southeast Alaska’s remote communities, placing research-based, practical information in the hands of local leaders, community members, teachers and health professionals.
University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service; Smith-Lever (3b&c). See full statement.