Texas AgriLife Research
Spread across the state, the 13 AgriLife Research centers are devoted to research and science discoveries that improve everyday life.
Texas AgriLife Research, with headquarters in College Station, is dedicated to research and technology development in food, agriculture and natural resources. Its mission is to conduct basic and applied scientific research to improve the productivity, efficiency and profitability of agriculture while maintaining a sustainable environment.
By collaborating with more than 30 countries, AgriLife Research is helping not only to strengthen the state’s position in the world market by developing strong customers for Texas products, but also to help other countries meet their own agricultural needs.
| Established | 1887 |
|---|---|
| Number of Research Projects | 587 |
| 2008 Research Funding | $176.7M |
| Number of Centers or Divisions | 13 |
| FY 2009 Operating Budget | $174.2M |
Did You Know?
- AgriLife Research is partnering with the Baylor College of Medicine in the $51 million Bovine Genome Project. These scientists are analyzing the sequenced genome to increase the quality and quantity of beef and milk production and to improve human health.
- Other health-related research initiatives involve studying how compounds such as quercetin and diindolylmethane (DIM), found in fruits and vegetables, are effective in protecting against and treating cancer. Scientists have also isolated three classes of citrus phytonutrients, including lycopene, flavonoids, and limonoids, that have shown potential in the prevention of oral, colon, and prostate cancers.
- Breeding improvements in Texas crops over the last three decades have had an annual economic impact of more than $88 million. AgriLife Research scientists are developing early season corn hybrids that are drought, heat, and insect resistant. The TAM Mild Habanero, a milder, more user-friendly version of the fiery habanero pepper, is a result of a five-year breeding program by AgriLife Research scientists. Improvements in sorghum, corn, and wheat are producing more nutritious, longer-lasting food products such as tortillas, bread, and snack foods.
- AgriLife Research scientists and Texas AgriLife Extension specialists are addressing critical water issues in the Rio Grande Basin, where agriculture currently claims up to 85 percent of the water supply. Researchers have documented seepage losses from canals and are developing alternative canal linings that will increase water delivery and extend limited water supplies.
Agency information: (979) 845-4747 · AgriLifeResearch.tamu.edu
