Penn State CARET Representatives: Advocates for Land-Grant Impact

The Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET) is a national grassroots organization affiliated with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). CARET representatives play a vital role in advocating for strong federal support of the land-grant university system, including agricultural research, extension, and teaching programs.

At Penn State, our CARET representatives serve as ambassadors and advocates, helping to communicate the value and impact of our work in agriculture, natural resources, and community development to federal policymakers. Their efforts support the mission of the College of Agricultural Sciences by:

• Promoting federal investment in agricultural research and extension programs that benefit Pennsylvania’s farmers, families, and communities.
• Educating elected officials about the importance of land-grant universities in addressing critical issues such as food security, water quality, climate resilience, and rural economic development.
• Building partnerships with stakeholders across the state to amplify the voice of Penn State and its land-grant mission in Washington, D.C.

CARET representatives are selected for their leadership, commitment to agriculture and education, and ability to effectively communicate the value of public investment in science-based solutions. They participate in annual advocacy events, including the CARET/AHS Meeting, where they meet with members of Congress and federal agencies to share success stories and policy priorities.

Through their service, Penn State’s CARET representatives help ensure that the university continues to receive the support needed to deliver high-impact programs that serve Pennsylvania and the nation.

More information can be found on the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET) page on the APLU website.