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University of Missouri Launches Center for Regenerative Agriculture

  • March 02, 2021

The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources recently announced that it is the home of the first Center for Regenerative Agriculture in the Midwest.

“This new center will create the opportunity to enhance our research, education and extension impacts in agriculture and food systems, and create a focal point for efforts in the area of regenerative agriculture,” said Christopher Daubert, Dean and Vice Chancellor at the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

The center, located in Columbia, Missouri, is currently collaborating on a $10 million proposal to study cover crops for farmers. Rob Myers, adjunct associate professor in the Division of Plant Sciences, who serves as the faculty director for the center, estimates that Missouri has about 1 million acres of cover crops.

“Soil health is a hot topic for farmers. But beyond soil health, there’s interest in this regenerative space, having more diversity within farm production systems,” said Meyers.

The Missouri Department of Conservation provided initial funding for the center to look at how conservation approaches work together in a way that leads to farming landscapes that are diverse and provide both economic and environmental impacts for landowners.

“Regenerative agriculture helps our agricultural products stay competitive and a coveted commodity in markets where food produced through sustainable farming practices is preferred,” said Sara Parker Pauley, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Missouri’s agtech industry is leading the way with innovative technology and research in plant science and animal health that is transforming agriculture. The new center will continue to enhance that leadership, while ensuring Missouri remains the global leader in agtech.

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