STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Researchers from Tarleton State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources have joined forces with Texas A&M Agrilife Research and other major Texas agriculture entities on the $65 million Texas Climate-Smart Initiative.
The project is a five-year U.S. Department of Agriculture multi-commodity pilot designed to transition Texas’ massive agricultural sector to climate-smart practices and develop new markets.
“Tarleton’s academic researchers are exploring solutions to world challenges and enriching our lives through innovation and development,” university President James Hurley said. “I have no doubt that Tarleton researchers will respond to the challenges put forth in the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative with innovative real world solutions.” Added Dr. Rupa Iyer, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development:
“Participation in this project exemplifies Tarleton’s ability to change the world through research and innovation, and to maximize our impact on society for generations.”
A team from Tarleton’s Southwest Regional Dairy Center is expected to be heavily involved in studies on the impact of dairy production greenhouse gas emissions.
“I am pleased that several Tarleton faculty are playing important collaborative roles in this effort led by Texas A&M AgriLife Research,” said COANR Dean Barry Lambert. “Collaborations like these are central to solving the challenges that we face as we seek to provide food, fiber and energy to a growing world population.”
In addition to the work at the dairy center, a Tarleton team led by Dr. Edward Osei and including Dr. Ashley Lovell, Dr. Anne Egelston, Troy Thorne, Catalin Dinulescu, Dr. Mark Yu and Dr. Selin Guney will be responsible for farm-level economic analysis, carbon credit market development, supply chain efficiency and traceability, and addressing crop insurance implications of farmers and landowners implementing climate-smart practices.
Proof of the expansive nature of the initiative is evident in the list of major partners. They include the Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board, Prairie View A&M University, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, BCarbon, Nori, Plains Cotton Growers Association, Texas Wheat Producers Board, Texas Corn Producers Board, Texas Sorghum Producers Board, Texas Rice Producers Board, U.S. Rice Producers Association, Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association, Texas International Produce Association, Texas Citrus Mutual, Texas Pecan Growers Association, Texas Small Farmers & Ranchers Organization, 100Ranchers, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas Association of Dairymen, Texas Poultry Federation, Texas Forestry Association, Texas Chapter of National Women in Agriculture, Global Revive, Small Producers Initiative and American Plant Food.
