The world population is estimated to be 9.7 billion by 2050

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Fort Valley State University $298,879 on January 1, 2026, under the 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants program (CFDA 10.216) to build undergraduate teaching capacity and extend student access to CRISPR/Cas genome-editing technology.

The award funds two main objectives: developing and teaching an undergraduate CRISPR course in collaboration with the University of Hawaii, and offering hands-on summer workshops to expand learning opportunities to more students. The project runs through December 31, 2028, with work performed at Fort Valley, Georgia.

The 1890 CBG program is designed to strengthen research, Extension, and teaching in food and agricultural sciences by building institutional capacities of historically Black land-grant universities. The program emphasizes preparing science professionals to utilize emerging technologies that advance global food security and maintain U.S. leadership in biomedical and agricultural sciences.

Newer approaches are neededto feed the expanding population. Novel crispr/CAS genome-editing technology hasrevolutionized biological sciences and is unique due to its precision efficiency andsimplicity. IT employs DNA repair-based editing mechanisms rather than inefficientrecombination thus increasing gene modification events 1000S-fold. IT does not leaveexternal DNA footprints unlike previous technologies which have been a major hindrancein acceptance of genetically modified organisms. IT has great promise to introduce desirable traits precisely in crops and livestock correctinghuman genetic diseases in therapeutics and in advancing genetic research. IT is a powerfultool which has the ability to promote global food security and therefore IT is critical that ourfuture science professionals are prepared to utilize crispr technology. IT is also importantthat we provide equitable learning opportunities for students. Skilled workforce will ensuresustaining creativity and innovation to maintain US leadership in biomedical and in foodand agricultural sciences. This project is designed to meet that need by serving studentsthrough two main objectives 1) building capacity to develop and teach an undergraduatecrispr course in collaboration with university of hawaii and 2) extend the opportunity tomore students to learn crispr technology by offering hands-on summer workshops. Thisproject is aligned with fvsu's strategic priorities (exceptional student experience; engagement and collaboration) and addresses all three CBG program goals for example itwill advance cultural linkages and will enhance quality of education.