UMES gets $600K grant from USDA for food science research

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is getting a $600,000 grant from the USDA. The grant will help to expand and strengthen food science research when it comes to growing what are called “ethnic crops”. Those crops include things like edamame and hibiscus.

Sustainable fertilizers, biostimulants, and microorganisms will be studied to try to improve soil health and the amount and quality of ethnic crops. Scientists will also research pest management and how the crops can be beneficial to health.

UMES says the grant will make it easier on local farmers to expand their ability to grow those crops – as local farming is in high demand. Training workshops will be held for small farmers on sustainable production, pest management, and packaging and marketing.

The university says new courses will be developed at UMES in food science, food processing and preservation, and product development. UMES says both undergraduate and graduate student researchers will be able to gain hands-on learning opportunities by assisting with the field studies.