Supporting the Pacific Islands’ Land-grant Universities

For the first time ever, the Pacific Islands’ Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences convened a conference, which provided opportunities to advance their unique roles in agricultural sustainability, nutrition, positive youth development, and meeting the needs of their people. 

Dr. Douglas Steele, APLU’s Vice President for Food, Agriculture & Natural Resources, participated in the four-day conference on U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Land Grant Programs for USAPI (US-Affiliated Pacific Islands) and FAS (Freely Associated State) Colleges in Koror State, Republic of Palau.

The conference’s focus was highlighting the cooperating partner colleges’ program activities and impacts. It also concentrated on issues and challenges faced by the Pacific Island’s land-grant universities. By connecting the Pacific through important regional foods such as taro, breadfruit, swine, and marine products (aquaculture), they are collaborating to help resolve issues related to food security and climate change impacts throughout the region.

Dr. Steele had the opportunity to interact with delegations from Palau Community College, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Northern Marianas College, University of Guam, America Samoa Community College, College of Micronesia-FSM, and the College of the Marshall Islands.  In addition, senior leadership from USDA NIFA, the Western Extension Director’s Association, the Western Association of Agriculture Experiment Station Directors, and Western Rural Development Center participated.

According to Dr. Steele, “This conference provided a unique occasion for APLU members in the Pacific to come together to discuss topics of mutual importance for their region with federal funding partners. The ability to identify issues for agricultural research, academic programs and outreach will strengthen opportunities for the future.”  By leveraging the integration of research, education, and Extension, land-grant universities tackle complex challenges by developing and implementing effective solutions.