Organic Agriculture Archives - Land-Grant Impacts

Topic

A drone flies over a field.

Research and Extension make agricultural systems more efficient, profitable and resilient

Strategies and tools for managing crop pests and diseases have increased productivity and profitability. For example: Extension units across the nation offer plant and pest diagnostic clinics. In New Mexico, free diagnoses saved producers an estimated $36,000 in testing fees in 2025, while also supporting biosecurity and export compliance. In Indiana, lab results and recommendations saved clients $890,000 in reduced [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Alaska, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arizona, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, California, Clemson University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Florida, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Kentucky, Langston University, Lincoln University, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, National Security, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Puerto Rico, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, South Carolina, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M University, The University of Georgia, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nevada Reno, University of New Hampshire, University of Puerto Rico, University of Tennessee, University of Vermont, Urban Agriculture, Vermont, Virginia, Virginia State University, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Workforce Development and Readiness, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

researcher looking at orange corn on the stalk

Breeding corn with orange grain high in antioxidant carotenoids

Carotenoids are antioxidant compounds naturally found in plants, but humans cannot synthesize them and must obtain them through diet. In the U.S., there are widespread deficiencies in two key macular carotenoids — lutein and zeaxanthin — which accumulate in the retina and brain. Low levels of these nutrients are linked to poorer visual health, increased risk of age‑related macular [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Crop Management, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, North Central, Organic Agriculture, Purdue University, Research

two researchers examine a cow

A safer treatment for mastitis, helping herds and farmers’ bottom lines

Mastitis, udder inflammation/infection, is a leading health issue in dairy herds, responsible for an estimated $2 billion in annual losses for U.S. farmers. New England dairy farms face unique challenges managing this disease due to high care costs for small-scale operations and restrictions on antibiotic use in organically certified dairies. There is a growing need for alternative, non-invasive methods [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2026, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, New Hampshire, Northeast, Organic Agriculture, Precision Agriculture, Research, University of New Hampshire

dairy cows in a barn

Supporting meat and dairy industries

Meat and dairy provide critical protein and a wide variety of other products for consumers and represent economically important industries across the country, not just for producers, but also for processors, groceries and restaurants. Research and Extension professionals at land-grant institutions support livestock and related industries in many ways through education on economically efficient production practices and research on [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Extension, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Montana, Montana State University, North Central, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Puerto Rico, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Puerto Rico, Western

cattle in a field

Tech solutions for livestock management

Livestock producers face challenges such a shrinking labor force, limited veterinary access and rising costs. Artificial intelligence, precision agriculture technologies and genome sequencing have shown promise in improving livestock management, but up-front costs have generally restricted adoption to large-scale dairies. Small farms need economically feasible, effective tools tailored to their specific operations. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Illinois, Kentucky, Langston University, Maine, New Hampshire, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Organic Agriculture, Precision Agriculture, Research, Southern, University of Arkansas, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of New Hampshire, Water Resilience/Management

A pair of hands in yellow gloves gently hold a strawberry plant, showing a flower and immature green strawberry, in a strawberry field.

Research helps increase specialty crop profitability

Specialty crop growers provide popular products to consumers. There are many challenges to growing the products commercially. Land-grant universities support growers with research and resources that help increase profitability and informed decision-making. Here are a few examples of that work: Apples are a popular product among consumers, but there are many challenges to growing them commercially in the Midwest and making [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, California, Crop Management, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Food Systems, Iowa, Iowa State University, Maine, New Hampshire, North Central, Northeast, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Specialty Crops, University of California, University of Maine, University of New Hampshire, Washington, Washington State University, Western

lavender field

Newest weapon against lice: lavender, cloves and thyme

A team of Extension professionals in Vermont have developed and tested a nonchemical alternative to treating winter lice infestations in cattle and sheep to bypass increasing resistance to insecticide and environmental impacts from chemicals. The solution is essential oils. Mineral oils steeped with lavender, clove and thyme are known to have insecticidal properties. Lab and farm trials both showed the treatment [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2026, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Food Systems, Northeast, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Soil Health, University of Vermont, Vermont

berries on the vine

New fruit, vegetable cultivars offer new opportunities for growers

Developing or restoring different fruit and vegetable cultivars allow farmers to plant crops based on disease resistance, fertilizer requirements, adaptations to site-specific soil and weather conditions or greater yields. Some cultivars can be a pathway to new market opportunities and new bio-based products. Here are a few examples of that work: Hemp is re-emerging as the basis of a viable industry [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alaska, Arkansas, Biofuels/Bioproducts, Central State University, Crop Management, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, National Security, North Central, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Precision Agriculture, Research, Soil Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, The University of Georgia, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Arkansas, University of Missouri, Urban Agriculture, Western

a diseased plant

Improving crop profitability through disease management

Land-grant university research and Extension programs help producers manage costly plant diseases through early detection, risk assessment and science-based tools. By integrating applied research, diagnostics and education, growers protect yields, reduce unnecessary pesticide use, improve return on investment and strengthen long-term agricultural resilience across variable production systems. Here are a few examples of that work: South Dakota State Extension plant pathology [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2026, Colorado, Colorado State University, Crop Management, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Food Systems, Forest Protection and Management, Georgia, Indiana, North Central, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Purdue University, Research, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, The University of Georgia, Western

a smiling group of master gardeners

Horticulture programs sprout more resilient communities

Local horticulture is an important tool to combat food insecurity in underserved communities, while boosting environmental sustainability and community health. Volunteers with horticulture training through Extension Master Gardener programs partner with local organizations, schools and vulnerable communities to grow and distribute locally grown produce as well as create jobs. Here are a few examples of that work: The Master Gardener program [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Central State University, Community Development/Engagement, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Indiana, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Purdue University, Rhode Island, Southern, Specialty Crops, University of Rhode Island, Urban Agriculture, Workforce Development and Readiness

participants at Ginger Field Day participate in planting

Ginger fills a niche in North Carolina

Extension specialists in North Carolina led a program to help small and limited-resource farmers learn about growing ginger, a high-value specialty crop. Since ginger is a tropical plant not traditionally grown in North Carolina, farmers learned site-specific techniques about propagation, seeding, transplanting in high tunnels, pest management and harvesting mature rhizomes. The Ginger Field Day 2025 increased farmer confidence, adoption [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 1890, 2026, Crop Management, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Soil Health, Specialty Crops

lettuce growing in a field

Decades of field data help desert lettuce growers improve pest control

Lettuce growers face recurring pest pressure from an array of insects that drive yield losses and high management costs. Long-term, field-based data has been used to identify emerging pest issues, evaluate management effectiveness, guide research priorities and strengthen integrated pest management (IPM) recommendations for growing lettuce in the desert areas of Arizona and Southern California.  For 19 years, University of [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2026, Arizona, Crop Management, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Specialty Crops, University of Arizona, Western

Mario Soto and Aurelie Poncet with a plant and a light-emitting device.

Building resilient agriculture through pest management

Land-grant university pest management programs strengthen agricultural resilience by delivering research-based education that helps farmers manage pests more effectively and safely. These programs improve pest control decisions, reduce unnecessary pesticide use and minimize health and environmental risks—supporting healthier ecosystems and long-term productivity. Here are a few examples of that work: Louisiana State University’s AgCenter’s Field Crop Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2026, Crop Management, Economic Development, Extension, Fiber Systems, Food Security, Food Systems, Indiana, Invasive Species, Iowa, Iowa State University, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, National Security, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Purdue University, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, University of Maine

Tahirah Johnson examines testing samples under a magnifying glass in a research lab on the University of Maryland Campus in 2024.

Innovative methods for safer, healthier food production practices

Regional food production is critical to local economies and supporting American food systems. Rising reports of foodborne illnesses, increased antibiotic resistance and newer production systems like soilless agriculture necessitate a better understanding of the risks and options to improve the safety and health value of food products from produce to shellfish and tree nuts. 1890 land-grant universities are examining [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Central State University, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Specialty Crops, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Urban Agriculture, West Virginia, West Virginia State University, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

a person cooking on a cast iron skillet

Preserving food traditions

America’s heritage is deeply rooted in food. It’s important for people to learn where food comes from, how it is produced and how to prepare it. Land-grant universities are connecting youth and adults to these traditions to sustain agricultural knowledge while preparing the next generation with practical skills, responsibility and leadership capacity. Here are a few examples of that work: For [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2026, Central State University, Crop Management, Extension, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Kentucky, Kentucky State University, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Soil Health, Specialty Crops, Urban Agriculture, Youth Development/4-H

Fort Valley State University scientist harvesting a ripe peach on the campus research plot.

Addressing food insecurity to drive community impact

Food security is fundamental to the health, resilience and economic vitality of rural and urban communities. Across the United States,1890 Land‑grant Universities are uniquely positioned to meet this critical need by advancing research, education and Extension programs that connect communities to practical solutions and sustainable food system innovations. Here are a few examples of that work: When food insecurity hits, older [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2026, Arkansas, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Security, Food Systems, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Public Health, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Urban Agriculture, Youth Development/4-H

preschoolers look at plants in a raised bed

Strengthening youth development through experiential learning

Experiential learning equips young people with hands-on skills, critical thinking abilities and real-world problem-solving experiences that strengthen academic success, workforce readiness and lifelong learning. Through community-based programs, 1890 land-grant universities play a vital role in ensuing opportunities by connecting research, Extension, and education to support youth and prepare the next generation of leaders. Here are a few examples of that [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Arkansas, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Maryland, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Tennessee, Tennessee State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Urban Agriculture, West Virginia, West Virginia State University, Youth Development/4-H

a scientist examining plants in a controlled environment agriculture setting

Advancing sustainable food production in soilless environments

Land-grant universities across the nation are working to make the food supply more secure by exploring the best ways to produce crops without soil. Hydroponic and aquaponic systems have many benefits, including reducing the inputs and space needed to produce food. Researchers are studying how to make the foods grown in these controlled environments safer and better. Extension personnel [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2025, Crop Management, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Guam, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Nevada, North Central, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Prairie View A&M University, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Texas, The Ohio State University, University of Guam, University of Nevada Reno, Urban Agriculture, Western

a creek through the woods

Precision monitoring aids decision makers and stakeholders in protecting key watersheds

Nutrient pollution, biodiversity losses and weather variability pose extraordinary challenges for the sustainability of natural ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. Land-grant universities are developing and applying emerging technologies that can help to more efficiently, accurately and safely monitor, measure and precisely manage these systems with minimal environmental impact. Here are a few examples of that work: To better understand [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 1890, 2025, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Central State University, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Invasive Species, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State University, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Nebraska, North Central, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Soil Health, Southern, Specialty Crops, University of Kentucky, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Wisconsin, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Wisconsin

a small body of water

Protecting valuable water resources

Water resources that sustain agriculture and communities continue to face critical challenges. Land-grant universities are working to discover new ways to increase water use efficiency, reduce water use and protect water quality. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers at Cornell University in New York engineered novel enzymes that can break down microplastics into small products that can be [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2025, Cornell University, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Systems, Indiana, Maryland, New York, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, University of Maryland, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, Vermont, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Wisconsin

fruit growing on a tree

Specialty crop growers benefit from land-grant university research

Scientists at land-grant universities are responding to local grower needs to strengthen specialty crop quality and economics. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers in New York are studying a new threat to vineyards. Research on how the disease is spread through hoppers led to recommendations on management practices to manage the virus spread.Cornell AgriTech. See full statement. Two-thirds of [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Arkansas, Cornell University, Crop Management, Extension, Food Systems, New Hampshire, New York, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Arkansas, University of New Hampshire, Western

a scientist examining a plant

Land-grant scientists help farmers manage costly plant diseases effectively

Each year, plant diseases cost the global economy around $220 billion. Plant diseases kill crops and make their products unmarketable, wasting food and other resources while driving up costs for farmers and consumers. Land-grant university scientists are helping farmers monitor for diseases and manage them in a safe and cost-effective manner. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers in [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Crop Management, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Food Systems, Kentucky, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Soil Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, University of Kentucky, University of Vermont, Vermont, Western

honey sale sign at a farmers market

Developing new farmers, new products and new markets to boost agriculture sector

Many communities across the United States are seeing a decline in the agricultural workforce as experienced farmers retire. This issue has been exacerbated by national declines in new and beginning farmers. Land-grant universities are working to recruit and train new farmers, address their challenges and find ways to help them to thrive, including new crops and new marketing opportunities. [...]

Food Security, Summary 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alaska, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Nevada, Northeast, Organic Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Specialty Crops, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Nevada Reno, University of Vermont, Vermont, Waste Management, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

closeup on hands planting seeds in a garden plot

California Extension partners to plant therapeutic garden for those in transitional housing

California has one of the highest populations of unhoused people in the nation, 44 out of every 10,000 people do not have stable housing. Being unhoused is strongly tied to food insecurity, including a lack of access to fresh foods, like fruits and vegetables. When Alameda County CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California Cooperative Extension (CFHL, UCCE), decided to restart [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, California, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Organic Agriculture

a strawberry plant

Extension helps strawberry farmers in Georgia and South Carolina save their growing season

Strawberries grown in Georgia bring in more than $15 million in sales annually, but the true value of growing strawberries is in agritourism — farms that open their doors to families to come pick fruit and enjoy a taste of farm life. For the past four years, the strawberry business in Georgia has been hindered by a new, highly [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2025, Crop Management, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Food Security, Georgia, Organic Agriculture, South Carolina, Southern, The University of Georgia