Colorado agricultural experiment station (caes) conducts research on agricultural and natural resource issues that specifically impact colorado

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Colorado State University Agricultural Experiment Station $4,467,848 on October 1, 2025, under the Hatch Act formula grant program (CFDA 10.203).

CAES conducts agricultural research addressing Colorado-specific issues across four strategic priority areas: resource-based sustainable and integrated food production systems; sustainable utilization of soil and water resources; development and increased utilization of appropriate technologies; and nutritional security and improved human health. Research is performed across 13 departments at the main campus in Fort Collins, eight off-campus research centers (nine sites) throughout Colorado, and with individual cooperators. Faculty-led research supports growers, producers, food entrepreneurs, policymakers, and stakeholders across the state and multistate cooperative networks.

The award period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. Under the Hatch Act formula structure, funds are allocated to state agricultural experiment stations and must be fully expended in the fiscal year of appropriation, with up to 100 percent carryover permitted for one year after fiscal-year close without prior approval. At least 25 percent of Hatch funding supports multistate research projects addressing regional or national agricultural problems.

CAES, an integral unit of Colorado State University aligned within the College of Agricultural Sciences, draws on a 130-year legacy in agricultural sciences to deliver this mission-focused research and extension programming.

Caes is an integral unit of colorado state university aligned within the college of agricultural sciences. Caes conducts research in 13 departments at the main campus in fort collins, at 8 off-campus research centers (9 sites) throughout colorado, and with individual cooperators. Caes is uniquely positioned to aid growers, producers, food entrepreneurs, policy makers, and other stakeholders through the strength of its faculty, extension staff, and (130-year) long legacy of scientific advancement in agricultural sciences. Given this context, programmatic direction for caes research centers is prioritized in strategic areas with opportunities to build on existing strengths. Program planning is guided by the caes strategic plan, which describes how to leverage this rich history to evolve caes research centers to become CSU's focal point for mission-focused research and extension on: 1) resource based sustainable and integrated food production systems; 2) sustainable utilization of soil and water resources; 3) development and increased utilization of appropriate technologies; and 4) nutritional security and improved human health. This strategic plan, along with local and statewide input, guide program planning that is relevant and responsive to the needs of colorado. The caes manages the colorado funding pertaining to hatch act of 1887 regular research, which supports research programs that specifically impact colorado stakeholders.