By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has announced the creation of the World Agriculture Center, a new initiative designed to strengthen and expand the college’s global engagement in agriculture food systems and natural resources.
The announcement was made on January 29, 2026, during a networking lunch and reception attended by college leadership international program staff and global scholars in Michigan. The event marked a new chapter in the college’s long-standing commitment to global agriculture and international collaboration.
“This is truly a historic day for our college,” said Karim Maredia, professor assistant dean and director of the WorldAg Center. “The WorldAg Center will be a game-changer, providing an innovative platform to recognize and connect the impactful international work that our faculty, educators, outreach specialists and researchers are already doing around the world.”
The WorldAg Center will act as a central hub to support global research education and outreach efforts. Its focus includes addressing emerging agricultural challenges both in Michigan and internationally while encouraging collaboration across departments schools and research units within the college.
A key goal of the center is to increase global visibility and strengthen international partnerships.
Through long term collaboration and high impact scholarship the center aims to advance food security economic growth and livelihoods while supporting the development of future global agriculture leaders.
“This center recognizes the incredible international work already happening across the college while creating new opportunities to expand our global engagement,” said Matt Daum, associate provost and dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Even in an era of uncertainty, CANR remains deeply committed to global engagement. The WorldAg Center will elevate that exemplary work and strengthen our visibility and footprint worldwide.”
International engagement has been a core part of the college’s mission for more than 60 years. Current efforts focus on climate resilient food systems nutrition security agricultural policy natural resources management and emerging technologies.
Through the WorldAg Center the college plans to expand partnerships beyond Africa and Asia into additional regions while also diversifying funding sources through endowments and long-term investment.
“The work is already happening,” said Maredia. “The WorldAg Center gives us the structure and visibility to connect those efforts and amplify their impact for decades to come.”
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education