(Washington, D.C., June 3, 2020) – Today, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) announced an investment of $4.8 million to support Centers of Excellence at 1890 Land-Grant Institutions in America. The investments in these institutions is made possible through the NIFA 1890 Centers of Excellence (COE) Grants program, funded through the FY 2019 Federal Appropriations Bill.

"Access to research and educational opportunities is a cornerstone of prosperity, and this investment will help provide opportunities will for America's underserved and disadvantaged farmers by providing access to research and educational opportunities that will enhance the quality of life in our rural communities," said Deputy Under Secretary Scott Hutchins. Hutchins leads USDA's Research, Education, and Economics mission area and provides strategic leadership for the mission area's scientific research portfolio.

Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue spoke at the virtual graduation ceremony for twenty-six USDA-1890 scholars from 13 different 1890 universities who were unable to attend a graduation ceremony due to COVID-19. Also in attendance were Dr. Makola M. Abdullah (President of Virginia State University & Chair of 1890 Council of Presidents), and Representatives Sanford Bishop and Alma Adams. The Secretary's remarks centered on the current challenges facing our country and how to persevere in the face of adversity. You may play the Sonny Perdue Addresses USDA 1890 Scholars video or on the image below to listen to the Secretary's remarks.