January 11, 2024, 2:50 a.m.

On Wednesday, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced more than $1 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture for Oregon State University.

Wyden said, “In meetings throughout the state with Oregon’s agricultural sector, I’m always asking how I can support them do what they do best: grow things, add value and ship their products around the world”. Wyden said, “One thing I’m hearing is the need for a more skilled and diverse workforce. These awards will pave the way for students from Tribes and other backgrounds to become involved in preserving the food systems and natural resources that Oregonians depend on”.

Merkley said, “Every student deserves a quality education with support and access to resources that help ensure their success”. Merkley said, “These investments for Oregon State University will help address disparities in participation from STEM-focused multicultural programs, support research and leadership for PhD fellows with the agricultural workforce and help ensure Tribal students have the financial support and opportunities to achieve educational and workforce success. I am pleased to see federal investments for a new wave of well-prepared and diverse scholars”.

The release said the USDA NIFA grants were awarded to OSU for three programs:

*The Multicultural Scholars Program, Training the Next Generation of Diverse Global Food and Agricultural System Leaders, will receive $250,000

*The National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowship will receive $262,000.

*The New Beginnings for Tribal Students in Oregon program will receive $500,000