WAC Policy Brief 01 - Benefits of International Research and Collaborations to U.S. Agriculture and Farmers
DOWNLOADMarch 31, 2026
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EmailInternational cooperation and collaboration have long been a cornerstone of U.S. land-grant universities, industry, and other organizations. For decades, collaborative research, education, outreach, and technology-transfer programs have advanced globally through support from U.S. government, industry, foundations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private donors. These engagements have transformed agriculture — boosting productivity, food and nutritional security, economic growth, and livelihoods — while delivering tangible benefits to U.S. farmers, consumers, industry, and public research institutions, among others. Achievements include knowledge and technology exchanges, human and institutional capacity building, and policy reforms that enable technology access, trade, and the opening of new markets for U.S. products. This paper draws from a special panel organized by Michigan State University at the World Food Prize Symposium in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 23, 2025. The paper highlights the transformative role of international partnerships in strengthening American agriculture and U.S. farming communities and industries. Through compelling case studies, it demonstrates how global collaborations mutually enhance U.S. agri-food systems and benefit their global partners. These efforts leverage the power of global engagement to secure a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for U.S. agriculture, agriculture industries, local farmers, and consumers.
