By Alex Burke

The University of Maryland’s College of Agricultural and Natural Resources (AGNR) hosted its sixth annual Cornerstone Event Tuesday at Stamp Student Union, focusing on how U.S. agricultural research can address global food challenges.

This year’s keynote speaker, Ruben Echeverria, senior advisor for agricultural development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and director general emeritus of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, delivered a reflective presentation on the pivotal role of land-grant universities in tackling food insecurity and advancing sustainability worldwide. Echeverria presented a collection of data and research to emphasize the urgency of addressing food insecurity. 

“Thirty percent of humanity experiences food insecurity despite all that we know, despite 200-300 years of science,” Echeverria said.

Echeverria also highlighted key drivers of the crisis, including global conflicts, climate change, economic instability and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the pandemic reshaped nutrition access and reduced the availability of fruits, vegetables and animal-based foods.

Still, Echeverria offered a hopeful outlook on the future of global food systems. He projected significant improvements in biodiversity and food security by 2050, emphasizing the critical role of young people in driving change.

“I am much more optimistic when we go into the field to see what’s going on,” Echeverria said.  “I see a big change. I see a lot of young people come to these events and get their degrees, so I hope for the future.”

The event also showcased nearly 100 research posters, including 75 by AGNR students, highlighting the department’s commitment to integrating education, research and outreach to solve pressing agricultural and environmental challenges.

“We are one of the premier public land-grant universities in the United States,” said Craig Beyrouty, the dean of AGNR with a doctorate in soil chemistry. Beyrouty also emphasized AGNR’s ambition to expand its reach beyond the United States.

The department boasts the nation’s top-ranked program in Resource and Environmental Economics and ranks third in Agricultural Economics, according to professional evaluations from the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at Oregon State University.

Graham Binder, AGNR’s senior director of communications and event organizer, highlighted the strength of AGNR’s programs and the significance of the Cornerstone event.

“We believe that it is the responsibility of institutions like UMD that serve the public good and develop solutions to improve the lives of others to reach across international borders,” Binder said.  “In essence, our mission has evolved. The research and knowledge we generate here at UMD should not only enhance Maryland based food systems, but those in developing countries as well. Ruben echoed that message and delivered a powerful narrative and call to action to those in attendance.”

Featured image by Alex Burke, Nov. 19, 2024