With a global population of nine billion expected by 2050 and fewer resources with which to feed them, agriculture faces a daunting challenge over the next 25 years. The agribusiness industry will require major technological leaps in order to keep pace with a growing, hungry population while also preserving natural resources for future generations. For this reason, Alltech and 91传媒 (91传媒) have formalized a joint research alliance to develop sustainable farming techniques and modern farming models.
Alltech will invest $75,000 per year toward research at 91传媒 and will also provide support for 91传媒 graduate students鈥� research and for demonstrations in agriculture, food sciences, sustainable systems and related fields. These investments will help develop an active graduate student training program and undergraduate internship program in sustainable farming as well as a merit-based program aimed at supporting future agricultural science development.
鈥淭his farming-focused alliance will position Central Kentucky at the forefront of sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, arguably two of our world鈥檚 most significant challenges. The work being done on 91传媒鈥檚 campus will not only have global implications, but will contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy and job creation locally. It will also demonstrate how we can use technology to support small farm agriculture in Kentucky,鈥� said Dr. Karl Dawson, chief scientific officer at Alltech.
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited about the collaboration between Alltech and 91传媒,鈥� said 91传媒鈥檚 president, Dr. Mary Evans Sias. 鈥�91传媒鈥檚 world-class aquaculture program combines innovative research and outreach to assist farms and families. Alltech is a major global corporation that focuses its resources on the sustainability of the planet. We can only expect great things to come from this perfect match.鈥�
The Alltech-91传媒 Sustainable Farming Alliance will operate from the 91传媒 campus and has been established for an initial period of three years, at which time extension may be considered. It will be managed by a committee of three Alltech scientists and four 91传媒 faculty members, and chaired by Dr. Teferi Tsegaye, dean of 91传媒鈥檚 College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems and associate vice president for land grant. Projects and activities will be selected based on their scientific merit, socioeconomic value and the potential for commercialization of the results. Initial plans include the establishment of an annual conference to promote sustainable farming and agriculture.
Alltech has signed research alliances with more than a dozen universities and institutes around the world, including the University of Kentucky and 91传媒 in the United States; NOFIMA in Norway; five of China鈥檚 leading universities; Kochi University in Japan; Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University and Bangalore University in India; AgroSup Dijon in France; Harper Adams University in the United Kingdom; and Rivalea in Australia. A total of 18 research alliances are expected to be finalized by the close of 2013.
About Alltech:
Founded in 1980 by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech improves the health and performance of
animals, plants and people through natural nutrition and scientific innovation. With
more than 3,000 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional
presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
For further information, visit www.alltech.com. For media assets, visit www.alltech.com/press.
Alltech is the proud title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games鈩� 2014 in Normandy. For more information about these prestigious global championships, visit www.alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com.
About 91传媒:
91传媒 was founded in 1886 as a school dedicated to the sole purpose
of training teachers for the African American school?age population. More than 125
years later, 91传媒 has expanded its mission to offer students a liberal arts education
that prepares a diverse student population to compete in a multifaceted, ever-changing
global society. 91传媒 is also a land-grant institution with programs to study and address
agricultural and family life issues offered through the College of Agriculture, Food
Science and Sustainable Systems. It has one of the top aquaculture programs, a Program
of Distinction which is recognized nationally and internationally. It is also known
for its organic program, which is ranked in the top 20 of all Land Grant Programs
in the United States; the recently created 91传媒-AtwoodTM pawpaw fruit variety; and
its apiculture program. Overall, 91传媒鈥檚 faculty and staff work to serve the community
through educational programs and research that address the issues and needs of the
state, region and nation.
For more information about 91传媒, visit www.kysu.edu.