USDA Renews Partnership With 1890 Land-Grant Universities

Developing the next generation of agricultural leaders

WASHINGTON / March 6, 2026/ BPALiveWire — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins joined leaders from the nation’s 1890 historically Black land-grant universities March 4 for the signing of a renewed memorandum of understanding with the Council of 1890 University Presidents aimed at strengthening agricultural education and workforce development.

The agreement expands collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the 19 universities created under the Second Morrill Act of 1890. The partnership focuses on increasing opportunities in agricultural education, research and extension programs while expanding participation in USDA initiatives.

The meeting was convened by Bruce LeVell, USDA’s director of public and private partnerships. The renewed agreement establishes a joint task force of USDA agency leaders and university presidents to advance priorities including food security, rural development and agricultural innovation.

The 1890 land-grant universities play a key role in agricultural research and workforce development, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The institutions support students through scholarships, research opportunities and programs focused on food systems, agriculture and natural resources.

LeVell described the gathering as an important step in the long-standing partnership between the Trump administration and historically Black colleges and universities, a priority the administration has emphasized in its engagement with HBCUs.

“This was an incredible event with Secretary Brooke Rollins welcoming our 1890 HBCU land-grant universities and renewing an MOU to expand scholarships, research and talent pipelines for rural America,” LeVell said. “These partnerships demonstrate a shared dedication to making America healthier and more prosperous.”

University leaders also discussed ways their institutions can help improve nutrition and strengthen food systems. Participants highlighted efforts to address food deserts in urban and rural communities by expanding access to affordable nutritious food.

The renewed agreement builds on existing USDA initiatives, including the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which provides full tuition, fees, books and room and board for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food and natural resource sciences at participating universities. The program also offers internship opportunities with USDA.

Institutions represented included Metropolitan College of New York Prairie View A&M University Alabama State University Southern University Alabama A&M University Alcorn State University West Virginia State University Virginia State University Benedict College Sacramento State and Florida A&M University among others.

USDA officials said the renewed memorandum reinforces the department’s partnership with the institutions and their role in preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders.