UMass launches big ‘Future of Food’ program

The Connecticut River Valley near UMass Amherst. The valley is New England’s most important agricultural area, sometimes called the region’s “breadbasket’’.

— Photo by BenFrantzDale

Text edited from a New England Council (NEC) report

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst is launching a $120 million Future of Food initiative to address challenges facing the global food system, including climate change, sustainability, food safety and population growth. “The initiative will support new research facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration and faculty positions focused on the future of food and agriculture,’’ reports NEC, which goes on to report:

“The initiative includes plans for a new 36,000-square-foot Paul and Diana Manning Food Innovation Hub, which is expected to break ground in late 2027. The facility will include testing labs, kitchens, and collaborative research spaces. Faculty and external partners will study areas including food safety and security, nutrition, food processing, sustainable agriculture and food production.’’

UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier A. Reyes said:

“UMass Amherst—with the nation’s number-one programs in food science and agriculture sciences—is uniquely positioned to solve the biggest, most critical challenges facing the world’s food system and promote innovative and transformative solutions to capitalize on opportunities that benefit the common good.

“UMass is committed to supporting cutting-edge research, providing hands-on student training and fostering external partnerships to drive transformative solutions that strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, expand food equity and production, and create a healthier, more sustainable future of food for all.”