The Borlaug Institute is active in promoting scholarship across an array of development issues. Through partnerships across the Texas A&M University System, in industry, and with international agricultural research centers, we work to gain better understanding of the challenges facing global food security and to create applied solutions to meet those challenges.
Center for Conflict and Development
Global Coffee Quality Research Initiative
Center for African Agricultural Development
Center for Biodiversity Conservation
The SEAFAST Center
International Food and Agribusiness Management Association
Norman E. Borlaug Center for Southern Crop Improvement
Armenia Agribusiness Teaching Center
Center for Natural Resources Information Technology
Center for North American Studies
Center for International Youth Entrepreneurship
Collaborative Research Support Programs and Title XII
Program Partnerships in the Texas A&M University System
Center for Conflict and Development
The study of how conflict can be prevented through development practice is vital for national security and for global stability. Agriculture is a powerful tool for the prevention of conflict, remediation of conflict, and assisting communities during conflict. The Borlaug Institute is committed to understanding these dynamics and applying lessons in conflict zones around the world. This research is led by the Howard G. Buffett Chair in Conflict and Development and works closely with projects and initiatives across the Borlaug Institute. For more information, visit the center page.
Global Coffee Quality Research Initiative
The Borlaug Institute promotes the development of agriculture enterprise in many projects around the world. For the past decade, the Borlaug Institute has collaborated with the specialty coffee sector to promote livelihoods. This innovative partnership has been institutionalized in the Global Coffee Quality Research Initiative to improve the quality and quantity of Arabica coffee. This research supported by markets in developed countries, directly impacts production, processing, and human capacity in many developing economies. For more information, visit the GCQRI website.
Center for African Agriciultural Development
Africa presents many opportunities to advance our understanding of agricultural science and how to appropriately manage our natural resources. The Borlaug Institute and Texas A&M University are committed to long-term partnership with Africa to achieve mutual understand, economic development, and collaborative research in the life sciences. The Borlaug Institute leads colleagues across the Texas A&M University System in promoting academics, research, and extension programs with institutions across Africa. Center website coming soon.
Center for Biodiversity Conservation
Preservation and management of resources are critical for the sustainability of many communities around the world. Healthy ecosystems provide protection against climate change, nutritious food, diversity of livelihoods, and long-term economic potential. Proper management of ecosystems assists with social and cultural stability. Research on biodiversity is necessary for conservation of indigenous species, studying community-ecosystem dynamics, and creating sustainable economic opportunity. Center website coming soon.
SEAFAST Center
The Southeast Asian Food and Agriculture Science and Technology Center is based in Bogor, Indonesia on the campus of Institut Pertanian Bogor (Bogor Agriculture University), the premier agriculture university in Indonesia. The SEAFAST Center is a joint creation of Institut Pertanian Bogor, the Borlaug Institute, and USDA/Foreign Agriculture Service. The center promotes agriculture development, biodiversity, food science, nutrition, and private sector collaboration in Indonesia and throughout Southeast Asia. For more information, visit the SEAFAST website.
International Food and Agribusiness Management Association
Hosted by the Texas A&M University Department of Agriculture Economics, IFAMA was formed in 1990 to stimulate strategic thinking across the full spectrum of the food chain. Today, IFAMA serves as an effective worldwide networking organization and acts as a functional bridge between the agribusiness industry, researchers, educators, government, consumer groups and non-governmental organizations. IFAMA’s members are stakeholders in the success of the organization through their involvement in volunteer networks and program activities. For more information, visit the IFAMA website.
Norman E. Borlaug Center for Southern Crop Improvement
The Borlaug Center of Texas AgriLife Research is a mulit-departmental and multipurpose facility that hosts the Institute for Plant Genomics and Biotechnology (IPGB), the Texas AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics Center, and the Laboratory for Genome Technology. The center serves researchers across the Texas A&M University System and leads in promotion of biotechnology for food and economic security. For more information, visit the IPGB website.
Armenia Agribusiness Teaching Center
The Agribusiness Teaching Center at the Armenian State Agrarian University provides agribusiness management and leadership tools for business leaders in Armenia and neighboring countries. This partnership between education and business creates the next generation of business leaders for the region, produces agriculture economics research, and provides agribusiness career counseling for students in programs of the center. For more information, visit the ATC website.
Center for Natural Resource Information Technology
CNRIT is a multidisciplinary center of Texas AgriLife Research focused on using information technology to develop ecosystem and livestock solution for ranges and grasslands around the world. CNRIT collaborates extensively with the USAID livestock collaborative research support projects to put in place early warning systems for livestock health as well as livestock market information systems. CNRIT is currently operating such programs in East Africa, Mali, Mongolia, and Afghanistan. For more information, visit the CNRIT website.
Center for North American Studies
Hosted by the Texas A&M University Department of Agriculture Economics, CNAS promotes agricultural ties between the United States, Mexico, and Canada to expand trade, enhance the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture, and foster greater cooperation in resolving critical trade issues of common interest. The Texas A&M University System – Texas AgriLife Research and Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Tech University, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, and New Mexico State University collaborate on CNAS programs and activities. For more information, visit the CNAS website.
Center for Youth Development and Entrepreneurship
Youth leadership programs have long been a cornerstone of agriculture development in the United States. Such programs provide practical skills, entrepreneurial projects, exposure to life sciences, introduction to civic responsibility, and opportunities for leadership training and experience that are otherwise absent in rural communities. The Borlaug Institute uses various youth interventions as powerful tools in international development. Center website coming soon.
Collaborative Research Support Programs and Title XII
Partnerships across continents between scientists, educators, policy makers, and farmers are necessary for science-based agricultural development. The USAID Collaborative Research Support Program is instrumental in providing the resources to make sure partnerships a reality. The United States Foreign Assistance Act (Title XII) specifically calls for partnerships between agricultural research and educational institutions. This was the life’s work of Dr. Norman Borlaug and his institute continues to advocate for such support to continue. Center website coming soon.