NCA & T encourages innovative and interdisciplinary research necessary to advance agricultural technology including, solve the P roblem of food insecurity and save the environment

Caes uses digital and precision instruments along with artificial intelligence technologies to conduct climate smart research on the university farm, at the center for environmental farming systems in goldsboro (CEFS); at the center of excellence in post-harvest technologies (CEPHT) in kannapolis; and on campus in laboratories where investigations include agricultural economics, animal science, soil science, plant science, human nutrition, food science and bioenergy. Thus, caes engages in cutting-edge research and promotes the application of inter-and-trans-disciplinary integrative approaches that include the outreach of extension to increase critical mass and impact. To move forward with this aim we are focusing on four integrative clusters (PRIORITIES): plant and animal agricultural systems; food safety, nutrition, and health; youth, family and community well-being; and environmental and natural resources. Specifically, research and extension at NCA & T will continue to open doors and make an impact in the following ways: improving plant and animal agricultural systems: within this area, we will work to address crosscutting and emerging issues of animal and plant health and production. In animal systems, researchers will study the efficiency of different feeding sources to improve animal productivity and GUT health. Also, researchers will study to find the solution for viral, bacterial, and parasitic effects in animals and poultry. In plant systems, the focus will be on sustainable agriculture, alternative and high value crop production, season extension, climate change adaptation, value added agriculture, digital agriculture, soil health, pest control, and agro economics. Enhancing food safety, nutrition and health: within this area both researchers will work to address the issue of human health, food safety and healthy living habits. The research will focus on whole grain cereals, human health and human nutrition, probiotics strains, food allergy, food production process, bioactive compounds of food, post-harvest technology and food security. Enriching youth, family and community well-being: caes researchers are dedicated to working with NC's minority population, socially disadvantaged and disabled growers, elderly population, youth, and children to improve their lifestyle. Researchers will focus on the challenges of elderly population, textile and fashion design, healthy eating habits, early childhood development and childhood obesity. Environmental and natural resources: in this area we will work to protect the natural environment, provide the solution for waste management and conventional energy. Caes researchers will investigate an advanced biological system to produce alternative energy, treat agricultural and industrial waste, and protect and improve water quality. Caes researchers will be involved in a multistate climate change project to study the impact of climate change on socially disadvantaged farmers and communities of color. Researchers will develop adaptation and mitigation solutions to improve agriculture and natural resources and will propose policies to address the issue of environmental justice and climate change. Subrecipient activities include collaborating with the university of north carolina at greensboro to understand the physiological and molecular responses to drought stress of indigenous vegetables with untapped potential for nutrition, health, and food security in the face of global change. Caes researchers work together with cooperative extension to share the research outcomes to targeted populations as well as disseminate outcomes through conference presentations and publications.