2024 Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results

Executive Summary 

Overview 

Faculty of the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State use a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to address food security, human health, environmental protection, renewable energy, and community resilience through research and extension. The College supports Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station and Penn State Extension and leverages federal, state, university, industry, and partner support to deliver research, education, and outreach.

Research and Graduate Education Strategic Priorities 

The College published a strategic plan for Research and Graduate Education focused on future foods, resilience to global change, integrated human, animal, plant and environmental health, technology for agriculture and living systems, industry engagement, graduate education, Pennsylvania agriculture, community vitality, and research infrastructure. 

Evolving Outlook on the Future of Agriculture 

The report identifies challenges including energy and feed costs, weather extremes, population growth, biodiversity loss, labor shortages, tariffs, and global conflict. Penn State addresses these through the integrated pillars of intensification, resilience, and regeneration of agricultural landscapes. 

Critical Issue: Advancing Agricultural and Food Systems 

Focuses on technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, precision agriculture, remote sensing, geospatial intelligence, gene editing, and augmented reality. The TALiS initiative supports sustainable and resilient agricultural and living systems. 

Critical Issue: Building Community Resilience and Capacity 

Addresses social, economic, and environmental resilience, workforce development, agritourism, entrepreneurship, broadband access, beginning farmer support, and agricultural training programs. 

Critical Issue: Developing Biologically Based Materials and Products 

Supports sustainable bioeconomy solutions including biochemicals, biomaterials, renewable energy, anaerobic digesters, and commercialization of new technologies. 

Critical Issue: Fostering a Positive Future for Youth, Families, and Communities 

Addresses farm stress, mental health, suicide prevention, healthcare access, and support services for agricultural communities. 

Critical Issue: Promoting Environmental Resilience 

Highlights regenerative agriculture, cover crops, no-till farming, pollinator health, biodiversity monitoring, and environmental sustainability. 

Critical Issue: Supporting Integrated Health Solutions 

Advances One Health research, disease preparedness, avian influenza response, biosecurity, vector-borne disease research, and public health initiatives. 

Merit and Scientific Peer Review Processes 

Updates: None reported. 

Stakeholder Input 

Actions to Seek Stakeholder Input 

Stakeholder interviews, focus groups, university leaders, commodity organizations, industry representatives, and government partners contributed to strategic planning and priority setting. 

Methods to Identify Individuals and Groups

The Penn State Ag Council, alumni networks, industry groups, and statewide stakeholders help identify and engage stakeholder audiences. 

Methods for Collecting Stakeholder Input 

No updates reported. 

How Input Was Considered 

Stakeholder interviews and focus groups informed the Research and Graduate Education Strategic Guide and future priorities for research, engagement, partnerships, and infrastructure. 

Highlighted Results by Project or Program

No highlighted projects or programs were provided in the report.