Michigan State University is creating a Global Center for Food Systems Innovation thanks to a 25 million dollar award.
The award comes from US AID, the federal agency overseeing foreign assistance to developing countries.
MSU will fund research targeting improved agriculture production and cost effective, sustainable solutions for developing areas of the world.
Ajit Srivastava is leading MSU’s efforts and says the long term focus is to build global communication that lasts well beyond the grant. "The idea", he says, "is that when the grant is over, they have something that is implemented. But more importantly the team is formed which will continue to collaborate and work together in the long run to continue to establish and address these questions."
Srivastava says US AID's goal is to reduce extreme poverty by 60 percent in just one generation. The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than a dollar and a quarter per day.
- Chris Zollars
