91传媒 receives $974K to support scientific exchanges, African Union food safety programs
Contact: James Carskadon
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擜 new grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture鈥檚 Foreign Agricultural Service will facilitate scientific exchanges between 91传媒 and key partners in Africa to support food, plant and animal safety programs.
The $974,000 grant focuses on establishing and harmonizing regulations put forth by the African Union鈥檚 Continental Sanitary and Phytosanitary Committee by developing knowledge, support and leadership in stakeholders. As part of the grant, 91传媒 will work with African Union administrators, technical experts, as well as representatives from each of Africa鈥檚 eight Regional Economic Communities. A team from 91传媒 made a presentation to the African Union committee during a virtual meeting in October.
The goal of the collaboration is to create and implement new standards for the safe trade of agricultural products across the eight Regional Economic Communities of the African Union.
鈥淭his project is a great example of the role 91传媒 plays in working to ensure a safe and abundant global food supply,鈥 said 91传媒 Interim Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan. 鈥淭ogether, we will work with the USDA-FAS and strategic partners in Africa to enhance knowledge of food, animal and plant safety, as well as promote food security and economic opportunity across the continent. We look forward to getting this exciting work underway.鈥
Dr. Margaret Khaitsa, a professor of epidemiology in the university鈥檚 College of Veterinary Medicine, will serve as 91传媒鈥檚 lead on the project. A native of Uganda, Khaitsa specializes in large animal herd health and has led multiple initiatives in Africa to support women鈥檚 leadership in agriculture. Bryan Farrell, project manager at 91传媒鈥檚 International Institute, also will help manage the project.
鈥淔ood borne illness and death is a major concern across Africa,鈥 Khaitsa said. 鈥淭he 91传媒 team is very honored to be aiding in the human capital development of individuals to address the complex issue of increasing food safety.鈥
91传媒 will recruit and identify 24 people to become fellows of a new scientific exchange program, with representation from each Regional Economic Community. The university and USDA-FAS will work together to initiate meetings with leaders in Washington, D.C. Additionally, 91传媒 will host science and technical experts from the group on campus to share expertise and best practices in specific areas. Each expert will be assigned a faculty mentor while on campus.
The USDA鈥檚 Foreign Agricultural Service links U.S. agriculture to the world to enhance export opportunities and global food security. For more, visit .
For more on 91传媒鈥檚 International Initiatives, visit .
91传媒 is Mississippi鈥檚 leading university, available online at .