The OSU extension (OSUE) at oregon state university works in close partnership to support oregon's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities by delivering practical, research-based solutions and…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Oregon State University $8,462,214 under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program (CFDA 10.511) on October 1, 2025, for a five-year period ending September 30, 2030.

OSU Extension will develop and deploy strategies to strengthen agricultural resilience and competitiveness by reducing and mitigating the effects of changes in production systems, examining market dynamics at local, national, and global scales, and equipping producers with responsive tools. The program will develop rapid portable field diagnostics to detect emerging diseases in livestock, honeybee larvae, and aquaculture species; create diagnostics, vaccines, and control strategies for pathogens in meat animals; and assess wildfire smoke exposure effects on cattle health and performance. OSU Extension will increase food innovation and market access by collaborating with food entrepreneurs, farmers, and processors to foster innovation and broaden market channels. The recipient will develop and validate food processing treatment combinations, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and chemicals to reduce foodborne pathogens; coordinate cross-sector collaborations to identify bottlenecks to innovation and economic impact in the food and beverage industry across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest; and identify and rank challenges to address food loss and waste across supply chains.

Work is performed in Oregon. This is a formula grant under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program, which supports cooperative agricultural extension activities at land-grant institutions.

The OSU extension (OSUE) at oregon state university works in close partnership to support oregon's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities by delivering practical, research-based solutions and education. Aligned with USDA priorities, OSUE focuses on strengthening rural economies, supporting resilient agricultural production, promoting innovation, and empowering individuals and families to make healthy, informed choices. OSU extension will develop and engage strategies on current practices to reduce and mitigate the effects of changes in agricultural production systems to improve agricultural resilience and competitiveness. We will examine and forecast the impact of changes in local, national and global market dynamics on oregon agriculture products and services and equip producers with tools to respond favorably. In addition, we will focus on developing rapid portable field diagnostics to detect emerging diseases in livestock, honeybee larvae, and aquaculture species. Develop diagnostics and vaccines and other strategies to control or eliminate the effects of pathogens in meat animals. Determine the effects of wildfire smoke exposure stress on cattle health and performance to mitigate animal diseases and support animal production systems. We will focus on increasing food innovation and market access by collaborating with food entrepreneurs, farmers, processors, and various stakeholders to foster innovation, elevate product standards, and broaden market avenues. Developing and validating food processing treatment combinations, cleaning and sanitizing procedures and chemicals to reduce food borne pathogens. Provide leadership for activities that coordinate cross-sector collaborations that identify bottlenecks to innovation and economic impact for the food and beverage industry in oregon and the pacific northwest region. Identify and rank challenges to address food loss waste across supply chains and explore solutions. Addressing food loss waste can create value for producers, reduce food prices, and help combat food insecurity. Our focus on marine food systems will develop strategies to measure and respond to acute weather events, such as marine heatwaves and impacts on populations and fishing communities. Identify sustainable seafood processing technologies that maximize seafood resource utilization while reducing water usage and wastewater impact. Develop tools and strategies to lead to development of new products, enhanced current product value, and other strategies that build resiliency for the seafood industry. OSU extension promotes the overall health and well-being of all oregonians through evidence-based interventions for lifelong learning among youth and families. We plan to enhance ongoing efforts among the public health community to strengthen behavioral and mental health outcomes among youth and families. Actively involve individuals, families, and communities in the identification of issues and collaboratively create viable solutions to improve the community. Including providing educational opportunities related to healthy nutrition and physical activity choices among individuals and families to ensure longer and healthier lives. Promote strategies for accessing, preserving and preparing nutritional foods. Study how exposure and familiarity with healthy lifestyle choices can improve the health outcomes of children and youth, working-age adults, and older ad ults, including those who face chronic health conditions.