KINGSVILLE (May 22, 2024) — When the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ensures its research is backed by the best available science over the next two to three years, it will not be without the input of Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s Associate Professor of Animal Science and Ruminant Nutrition Dr. Natasha Mast.
Last week, Mast was one of 10 members appointed to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board, which provides feedback to the Secretary of Agriculture, to USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area, and to Land-grant colleges and universities on food and agricultural research, education, extension and economics priorities and policies. The Advisory Board also provides recommendations on high-priority science needs to agricultural committees of the U.S. Congress.
Of the 10 appointed, seven, including Mast, are new and three are reappointments. All are set to serve two- to three-year terms.
“This 15-member Advisory Board will provide recommendations on high-priority science needs for USDA research,” Mast said. “I am thrilled to be a part of this expert group helping to ensure USDA’s science and research are informed by the best available science.”
Members of the board selected by the Secretary of Agriculture represent a mix of university, non-profit, and industry representatives.
Each board member will represent a specific category of U.S. agricultural stakeholder as defined in the Agricultural Improvement act of 2018.
Categories include farming, ranching, food production, processing, forestry research, crop and animal science, land-grant institutions, colleges or universities with a historic commitment to research in food and agricultural sciences, food retailing and marketing, rural economic development, and natural resources and consumer interest groups.
Mast, will represent Hispanic Serving Institutions and will provide insight and recommendations based on that specific category of U.S. Stakeholders.
“The NAREEE Advisory Board is an integral component of USDA’s scientific enterprise,” Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics said in a USDA press release. “USDA relies on these scientific experts to provide evidence-based insight and recommendations as we develop innovative, sustainable, strategic and inclusive science priorities that serve all Americans.”
-TAMUK-
