UMES breaks ground on new agriculture center, push to build up future workforce

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – Farmers are typically the ones taking care of land but over at UMES a new agriculture building will help them harvest for the future.

University officials, state congressional leaders, and students broke ground on a new Agriculture Research and Education Center Thursday.

VP of Administration & Finance Anastasia Rodriguez said it was an all-hands-on deck effort. “We were able to support 50% of the funds for this building through our USDA partnership as an 1890 land-grant institution. We would really be remiss if we didn’t thank Governor Moore and the state legislature,” Rodriguez said.

We’re told an 1890 accreditation goes to HBCU’s who also shares in the land grant mission which is to educate black farmers on how to produce crops and have sustainable lifestyles through farming. Rodriguez said the new facility will also help extend and expand their ability to do research, teach, and do extension work with the local farmers on the Eastern Shore.

Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences Dr. Moses Kairo told us the new facility keeps them competitive and allows them to do the type of research that makes a difference. “We’ll be looking at different aspects of agricultural production. Also, looking at issues to do with soil, issues to water quality, and issues with food safety,” Dr. Kairo said.

There will be classrooms, greenhouse spaces, and several content focused labs diving into things like microbiology to animal and poultry science. “Animal and Poultry sciences is our fastest growing option is agriculture sciences,” Dr. Kairo said.

With this new investment, the hope is to also build up the future pipeline of future professionals with students like Jordan Frazier, who’s currently a senior at UMES and working with the USDA. “I changed my major to agriculture business, and it definitely expanded my options. Agriculture is everything from the food you eat to the clothes you put on your body. It’s just really important to see people like us in this field to make a difference,” Frazier said.

“I want own restaurants in food desert neighborhoods like Princess Anne because there’s not a lot of fresh food.”

University officials are also focused on addressing issues like the health of the Chesapeake Bay and ways to help safeguard it. They’re also looking for more ways to support farm families, including issues to do with agritourism and making it a valued activity.

The building is expected to be completed by fall of 2024.