Kentucky State University recently received nearly $250,000 in federal funding, as part of a $21.8 million investment by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1890 Land-grant institutions to support research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

“Our 1890 Land-grant universities are an integral part of our nation’s fabric,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a USDA press announcement. “ We are pleased to be able to build the research and training capacity of these critical institutions as they develop the next generation of leaders in agriculture.”

According to the release, the funding will address training needs of small-scale, minority and socially disadvantaged farmers and producers to develop strategies for handling produce and developing value-added products that are compliant with federal regulations and standards.

The overall investment by the USDA will fund 58 projects.