USDA Public Affairs Specialist
On Oct. 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) marked
the transfer of more than 3,800 acres of land and facilities of the former
Subtropical Agricultural and Research Station to Florida Agricultural and
Mechanical University (FAMU).
The ceremony
celebrated one of the largest single land transfers ever to one of the 19
historically black land-grant universities established under the Second Morrill
Act of 1890.
The site housed the station, part of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), from 1929 until it closed in 2012. Among landmark findings there, ARS researchers demonstrated that genetic and environmental interactions do exist in beef cattle. They also showed that locally produced cows generally outperform cows introduced from another environment.
Researchers at the
station also established the first herd of Romosinuano cattle in the United
States. And, based on studies from 1988-2002, they showed managed cow-calf
operations were not major contributors to excess phosphorus loads in surface
water in west-central Florida.
“A new chapter in the history of this land begins as we
transfer from ARS to Florida A&M University,” said ARS administrator
Chavonda Jacobs Young. “We look forward to our Florida A&M University
colleagues continuing a fine legacy of agricultural research here and teaching
the next generation of growers and producers as part of a new Beginning Farmers
and Ranchers Program.”
FAMU President Elmira Mangum said the transfer will greatly
enhance the university’s research capacity.
“We are grateful to the USDA for entrusting us with this
land,” President Mangum said. “It will enable FAMU to develop educational
training and developmental programs for new and beginning farmers and ranchers,
and to teach them the latest biotechnological innovations and other key
initiatives.”
Since Brooksville is located in a subtropical region, the
property will enable FAMU to venture into new research related to subtropical
fruits and animals and conduct research of significance to Central and South
America, and the Caribbean. It will also enable the University to expand its
organic farming. FAMU is also developing several partnerships with local
organizations to provide training to veterans interested in farming. The
partnerships will include establishing some small farms for veterans as a way
to transition back from military service.
The transfer includes
3,812.5 acres with 19 buildings, 2,830 square feet of laboratories, 3,600
square feet of office space, and a variety of other support structures
constructed between 1932 and 1987.