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U of Minnesota has big plans for AGREETT program

The first phase of a multi-year investment by the state legislature will provide the University of Minnesota nearly $5 million dollars to build on its agricultural capacity.

Dean of Extension Bev Durgan says the Agricultural Research, Education, Extension and Technology Transfer Program (AGREETT) allows for new faculty positions and improved infrastructure across seven areas.

“We’ll be putting positions on the St. Paul campus, but also out-state.  So we’ll see positions at the Research and Outreach Centers, our regional offices, and also some teaching positions.  So it will really increase that capacity we have for graduate and undergraduate students.”

Under the plan, the additional staff will be working in crop and livestock productivity, microbial science, advancing soil fertility and water quality, ag technology, nutrient management, pest management and climate change.

Durgan tells Brownfield the AGREETT program puts the University in an even better position to address environmental issues like water quality, a controversial subject in Minnesota.

“Some of these positions will be focusing on (water quality).  Diversity of our cropping systems, making sure that our soil and nutrients stay there.  We want to look at that whole approach, and how buffer strips fit into that is just one approach when looking at water quality in the state.”

The second stage of the program will likely include more faculty and Extension educator hires.

An advisory board made up of university leaders, the Minnesota Department of Ag and industry officials is tasked with hiring decisions.