By Andi Anderson
Agricultural research takes significant time, resources, and collaboration. To support this work, the Hatch Act of 1887 established federal funding for agricultural experiment stations at land-grant universities across the United States.
For nearly 140 years, this law has helped scientists and educators develop solutions that benefit farmers, families, and rural communities.
The Hatch Act ensures consistent funding that supports research across the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Rodney Johnson, associate dean of research, explains that Hatch funds play a key role in maintaining research operations, investing in new ideas, and working directly with farmers and community partners to solve real-world challenges.
Hatch funding is matched by the state, and although it forms only a small portion of the college’s total research budget, its steady and dependable nature makes it especially valuable.
In times when agricultural research budgets are uncertain, this support allows scientists to continue work that strengthens food systems, improves economic stability, and protects public health.
The College of ACES uses these funds wisely through a flexible model. Half of the funds are given directly to academic departments to support graduate students, research facilities, new faculty, laboratory equipment, and early-stage projects.
Another portion goes toward a competitive seed grant program called Future Interdisciplinary Research Explorations (FIRE). FIRE grants encourage research teams to collaborate across different fields to address emerging problems, such as crop disease, food safety, nutrition challenges, and environmental changes.
Several projects supported by FIRE have already led to successful larger grants and meaningful discoveries.
These include developing improved small grain varieties, studying community health influences disease, and creating wearable technology to measure infant stress. These efforts highlight how Hatch-funded research benefits both agriculture and society more broadly.
Recently, proposed budget cuts raised concerns about the future of Hatch funding. However, continued support reflects recognition of the importance of scientific research in strengthening food security and community well-being.
The mission of land-grant universities remains clear: to use science to support people, agriculture, and the environment now and into the future.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Illinois, Education, Government & Policy