Tuskegee University hosted the USDA/1890 Task Force meeting, Sunday and Monday, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Tuskegee University. The task force is a partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture and 1890 land-grant universities; Tuskegee is one of 18 such institutions established by the second Morrill Act of 1890. Gilbert L. Rochon, Tuskegee University president is the co-chair of the task force and chair of the Council of 1890 Universities.

According to Walter A. Hill, dean of the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Science, programs associated with the task force have previously provided grants and scholarship funding for the university and its students, respectively. He said today’s meeting focused on the 2012 Farm Bill, strengthening ongoing collaborations and addressing new challenges and opportunities.

“It’s crucial now, given the fiscal constraints that exist, that we diversify our portfolio and attempt to drill down on the wide array of agencies within USDA,” Rochon said. “At the same time, move toward a more horizontal integration of 1890 universities with other federal agencies.” Read More