Dean Lyles Elaborates on the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center

As the United States Department of Agriculture recently announced, Alcorn State University will receive $400,000 to help establish the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center. Dean of the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences and Director of Land-grant Programs Ivory W. Lyles provided valuable details on the topic.

“The Policy Center will be national in scope and will involve participation by other 1890 land-grant universities,” said Dr. Lyles. “It will focus on past, present and future agricultural issues, policies, practices, programs, procedures and legislation impacting the socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.”

The first in the nation center will be located within the Extension and Research Complex on the Lorman campus. Its research findings will be used to inform intellectual and public policy debates concerning investment priorities in future Farm Bills, all USDA programs, and other federal, state, local and non-governmental organizations programs impacting socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

According to Lyles, there will be an advisory board to make recommendations on programs, and the membership will consist of 25 members. The appointment of the board members will be made by Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., president of Alcorn State University.