Key Takeaways:
- Brand Transition: agInnovation emerges as the successor to the Experiment Station Section, representing agricultural research across US Land-grant universities.
- Objective: The initiative seeks to attract a new cohort of agriculturists, researchers, and supporters to invigorate agricultural innovation.
- Unified Approach: It aims to consolidate research efforts within the Land-grant university network to tackle global food security, sustainability, and health challenges.
- Outreach and Impact: A redesigned website and brand identity aim to communicate the outcomes and significance of agricultural research more effectively.
- Advocacy for Support: George Smith, Chair of agInnovation, highlighted the need for enhanced support to address critical agricultural challenges.
agInnovation: A New Era for Agricultural Research at US Land-grant Universities
Overview of agInnovation
agInnovation marks a pivotal rebranding effort for the national organization representing agricultural research at US Land-grant universities. Transitioning from its former identity, the Experiment Station Section, agInnovation is poised to serve as a pivotal hub for agricultural advancement. This rebranding initiative is designed to inspire and mobilize a new generation of agriculturists, researchers, and industry supporters to foster innovation that can lead to positive outcomes for the agricultural sector and American society.
Fostering Research and Collaboration
Central to the mission of agInnovation is the integration of research administrators, facilities, and faculty within the Land-grant university system. This collaborative approach is essential due to increasing global population pressures and resource constraints. agInnovation emphasizes agriculture’s integral role in a sustainable future, pushing for sharing research outcomes and best practices to stimulate progress in key areas such as food and nutritional security, environmental stewardship, and energy innovation.
Communicating Benefits and Achievements
The rebranding includes a strategic overhaul in communication, highlighted by the introduction of a revamped website. This platform is designed to more effectively showcase the impactful research projects undertaken by Land-grant universities, emphasizing the substantial returns from investments in agricultural research, both financially and in terms of societal benefits.
Leadership Comments
George Smith, Chair of agInnovation and Director of Michigan State’s AgBioResearch, articulates the importance of this initiative, stating, “This rebranding represents a critical step forward in enhancing support for agricultural research at Land-grant universities. We face significant challenges, including resource scarcity, climate change, and a growing population. We must build awareness and secure the necessary support to address these issues effectively.”
