FY26 AES hatch capacity RFA abstract: the college of agricultural, consumer, and environmental sciences (ACES) at new mexico state university supports fundamental and applied science and technology…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded New Mexico State University $3.216 million under the Hatch Act formula grant program on October 1, 2025.

The College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences at NMSU conducts fundamental and applied agricultural research organized around four strategic pillars addressing New Mexico's critical issues: food and fiber production and marketing, water use and conservation, family development and health, and environmental stewardship. Research projects within the food and fiber pillar encompass genetic enhancement in cropping systems, animal health and welfare, food and fiber supply chain advancement, and food bioengineering, processing, and safety. The water use and conservation pillar includes projects to improve water quality and availability and identify alternative water sources. Research activities are grounded in education and training of qualified agricultural professionals. NMSU employs a collaborative approach across the college to expand researcher capabilities and research impact. The research programs address ongoing and emerging challenges within New Mexico while reflecting broader priorities across the Western region and the United States.

The award period runs from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027, with place of performance in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This Hatch Act funding supports research capacity within eligible state agricultural experiment stations and may be carried over for up to one year after the fiscal year of appropriation with no prior approval required.

FY26 AES hatch capacity RFA abstract: the college of agricultural, consumer, and environmental sciences (ACES) at new mexico state university supports fundamental and applied science and technology research to benefit new mexico's citizens in the economic, envi ronmental, social, health, and cultural aspects of agriculture, natural resources management, and family issues. Agriculture has been part of new mexico's culture since before statehood and continues to be an important part of the lives of new mexicans and the state's economy. The research programs within nmsu's college of ACES are organized around four strategic pillars, which represent the state's critical issues. Each pillar guides efforts to promote economic advancement and community development throughout the state. These critical issues are (1) food & fiber production and marketing, (2) water use and conservation, (3) family development and health of new mexicans, and (4) environmental stewardship, all of which are based on the foundation of education and training of qualified professionals in the field of agriculture. Capacity funds support research areas within each strategic pillar. These research areas address ongoing and emerging challenges within new mexico and reflect broader priorities across the western region and the united states. Nmsu uses a collaborative approach that enables researchers supported by AES capacity funds to work across ACES, expanding both their research capabilities and the overall impact. The food & fiber production and marketing pillar advances research aimed at strengthening the productivity, quality, and sustainability of plant and animal agriculture in new mexico. Research projects encompass genetic enhancement in cropping systems, animal health and welfare, the food and fiber supply chain, and food bioengineering, processing, and safety. The water use and conservation pillar of research includes projects that seek to improve water quality and availability, identify alternative crops for water limited systems, and learn more about public attitudes and knowledge regarding water so that effective management can be implemented. In new mexico, water is the most limiting resource and will continue to be an intense challenge for agricultural producers. Increased knowledge of water management is crucial for the future of agriculture in the state. Family is the cornerstone of society, and the college of ACES research areas that focus on family development and health are committed to family and community development. New mexico is a mix of rural and urban communities that need programming and research tailored to support all people of the state. Research areas within this pillar prioritize agricultural literacy and education, pathways to human health and wellbeing, and increasing economic opportunities in new mexico. Water scarcity, soil degradation, and extreme weather fluctuations are among the most pressing challenges to sustainable agriculture in new mexico. The college of ACES is committed to using science-based knowledge to further our understanding of human impacts on the environment and to supporting environmentally sound agricultural and natural resource practices. The environmental stewardship research pillar includes interdisciplinary projects in food, energy, and water systems (FEWS), ecosystem structure and function in a changing world, environmental adaptation and resilience, and land use and environmental function. As issues emerge and change, researchers are prepared to respond with innovative research solutions. Each of the collaborative groups that support the core research areas will ensure scientific communication is a priority and communicate their impact to new mexico citizens and AES stakeholders regularly.