Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Dr. Paul Jones, Chair of the 1890s Presidents Council, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to reaffirm and strengthen their ongoing relationship. 

The 1890s Presidents Council is an organization comprised of presidents and chancellors of historically Black colleges and universities. 

The MOU also establishes a new 1890 Task Force that will inject energy into USDA’s efforts to collaborate with 1890s institutions in the food, agriculture and forestry sectors. 

The MOU signing followed discussions between USDA leadership and the 1890s Presidents Council as part of continued engagement and discussions with higher education associations to enhance USDA partnerships and investments with Minority-Serving Institutions. 

Secretary Vilsack states, “This signing reinforces USDA’s commitment to our partners at the 1890s institutions.” 

The 1890 Land-Grant institutions were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890. USDA has a long history of investing in and supporting the nation’s 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, which have been leaders in scientific innovation.

(Story Courtesy of the NAFB News Service)