USDA Awards $1.9 Million In International Science And Education Grants

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2006 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced today that USDA is awarding nearly $2 million to 19 U.S. colleges and universities to enhance their capabilities to conduct international collaborative research, extension and teaching.

“Among the reasons why U.S. agriculture has been remarkably successful is the flexibility and ingenuity of our farmers and ranchers,” said Johanns. “These grants will help strengthen the research and teaching that inspires ingenuity to ensure a vibrant future for U.S. agriculture.”

USDA’s Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service administers the funds through the competitively awarded International Science and Education Grants program. The projects will enhance the international content of curricula, provide faculty with the opportunity to work outside the United States to bring lessons learned back to the classroom, promote international research partnerships, enhance the use and application of foreign technologies in the United States and strengthen the role that colleges and universities play in maintaining U.S. competitiveness.

The overarching goal of the grant program is to strengthen the global competitiveness of students, faculty and staff in agriculture and related areas and enhance business performance in international agriculture. The fiscal year 2006 grants recipients are:

* Arizona State University - $99,969
* Clemson University - $99,751
* Florida International University - $100,000
* Kansas State University - $99,917
* Michigan State University - $100,000
* Montana State University - $99,538
* North Carolina A&T State University - $100,000
* North Carolina State University - $100,000
* Oklahoma State University - $100,000
* Oregon State University - $99,653
* Pennsylvania State University - $98,698
* Purdue University - $99,670
* South Dakota State University - $99,950
* Tennessee State University - $100,000
* University of California - Davis - $99,983
* University of Connecticut - $99,976
* University of Hawaii - $100,000
* University of Minnesota - $99,995
* West Virginia University - $98,006

CSREES advances knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities by supporting research, education, and extension programs in the Land-Grant University System and other partner organizations. For more information, visit http://www.csrees.usda.gov

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Jennifer Martin

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U.S. Department of Agriculture

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