Our research programs have a particular focus on the needs of small- to medium-scale, limited-resource farmers and industry stakeholders

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Florida A & M University $7,051,396 on October 1, 2025, under the Payments to 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University program (CFDA 10.205).

The award funds four research programs serving small- to medium-scale and limited-resource farmers in Florida. Viticulture and Small Fruits Research develops new and improved muscadine grapes and Florida hybrid bunch grapes through quality research and statewide extension and outreach activities supporting the state's grape and wine industry. The Preserving and Protecting Water Resources of North Florida Watersheds Research program, administered through the Center for Water Resources, conducts need-based research in collaboration with undergraduate and graduate students, the Cooperative Extension Program, the U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station, and diverse stakeholders. Strategic Research in Integrated Pest Management and the Management of Invasive Pest Species, conducted through the Center for Biological Control, addresses biocontrol of aquatic weeds and protection of pollinators including honeybees, with work focused on invasive alien species posing threats to agriculture and the environment. The FAMU Livestock and Crop Improvement Program includes livestock improvement, hay production, and forage systems research.

Performance occurs in Tallahassee, Florida. The period of performance runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. This is a formula grant to a 1890 Land-Grant Institution; funds are expected to be fully expended in the fiscal year of appropriation, with up to 100 percent carryover permitted for up to one year after year-end.

Ninety percent of florida's farms fit the definition of a small farm, making our mission particularly crucial in enhancing the state's overall economy. The significant areas of need are addressed by researchers in the following programs: 1. Viticulture and small fruits research, 2. Preserving and protecting water resources of north florida watersheds research 3. Strategic research in integrated pest management (IPM) and the management of invasive pest species, and 4. Famu livestock and crop improvement program. The viticulture and small fruits research provides leadership in the development of the grape and wine industry in florida through quality research and statewide extension and outreach activities that address the needs and concerns of stakeholders. The center is recognized as a leader in warm climate grape research, particularly in the development of new and improved muscadine grapes and florida hybrid bunch grapes. Preserving and protecting water quality in north florida watersheds research is administered through the center for water resources. The center continues to work with undergraduate and graduate students, conduct need-based research, and collaborate with the cooperative extension program and the U.S. Forest service, southern research station, as well as a diverse array of stakeholders. The center for biological control conducts strategic research on the management of invasive pest species and integrated pest management, including the biocontrol of aquatic weeds and the protection of pollinators, such as honeybees. The problems posed by invasive alien species (IAS) are broad, with impacts at the local, state, national, and global levels. IAS poses major threats to agriculture and the environment. Lastly, famu livestock and crop improvement program will include livestock improvement, HAY production, forage systems improvement, specialized horticultural crops such as industrial hemp, olives, aquaculture, and best management practices for livestock and crop production. The key areas of focus for our research programs include: viticulture and small fruits; preserving and protecting water quality of north florida watersheds; strategic research for the management of invasive pest species, and famu livestock and crop improvement program.