Connecting Professionals and Organizations to Amplify the Impact
Collaboration among organizations is vital for enhancing research, education, and outreach. This webinar explored inspiring examples that forged connections beyond a single organization to make meaningful contributions to society's economic and social well-being.
This session showcased three examples of how partnerships between professions can lead to impactful collaboration and service. The Council on Food, Agriculture, and Resource Economics (CFARE) demonstrates how board service can create positive change. Additionally, we discussed the role of USDA advisory boards that provide valuable insights to the Secretary of Agriculture on key issues. One of our focal points was the National Agricultural, Research, Extension, Education, and Economics advisory board, which exemplifies effective collaboration. We also explored the cooperative agreement landscape, where researchers and government professionals collaborate to address critical research questions. By uniting our complementary expertise, we significantly enhance our impact and better serve the communities we come from.
Gal Hochman – The Council of Food, Agriculture, and Resource Economics (C-FARE)
Gal Hochman opened the session by discussing the mission and activities of the Council on Food, Agricultural, and Resource Economics (C-FARE), where he serves as board chair. A volunteer board of 16 professional guides C-FARE from across the U.S. and one staff member. The organization serves as a bridge between the agricultural and applied economics community and policymakers, communicating complex research insights and stakeholder needs in a clear, actionable manner. Hochman emphasized C-FARE’s commitment to collaboration, objectivity, and integrity, focusing on ensuring research is relevant to real-world policy and social challenges.
He also detailed C-FARE’s core programs, including monthly webinars and newsletters that spotlight emerging research and critical issues like food prices and agricultural policy. In-person workshops supplement these efforts, such as policy brief competitions for graduate students and podcast series like “Get a Grip on CFARE,” introducing audiences to socioeconomic-focused agencies. Hochman highlighted C-FARE’s value as a connector—translating scholarly knowledge into formats accessible to decision-makers and creating platforms where academia, industry, and government can converge to address pressing issues.
Kenrett Y. Jefferson-Moore – An Overview of the NAREE Advisory Board and its Opportunities for Impactful Collaboration and Service
Kenrett Y. Jefferson-Moore shared her experience serving on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board. Initially appointed as a representative for the 1890 land-grant institutions, she progressed from general board member to vice chair and now serves as the board’s chair. Jefferson-Moore emphasized how her service has become an enriching experience, providing opportunities to represent underrepresented voices and bring institutional concerns to the national stage. Her story highlighted how individuals can become involved through a nomination and application process outlined in the Federal Register, with appointments officially recognized by a letter from the Secretary of Agriculture.
She explained the board’s purpose in offering feedback and strategic recommendations to USDA’s research agencies, including ARS, ERS, NASS, and NIFA. The board comprises members from diverse sectors including academia, industry, and rural advocacy groups. Jefferson-Moore outlined the structure and responsibilities of the board’s four subcommittees and discussed its annual review process. This year’s focus is on “Precision Nutrition,” a topic that bridges food insecurity, chronic disease, and community engagement. Her presentation underscored how advisory service plays a crucial role in shaping national research priorities and how board members help ensure policy and funding align with both science and stakeholder needs.
Tyler Mark – Connecting Professionals and Organizations to Amplify the Impact: Grants and Cooperative Agreements
Tyler Mark provided an insightful comparison of federal grants and cooperative agreements, drawing from his extensive experience managing over $46 million in funded research projects. Representing the University of Kentucky, Mark has worked with agencies such as USDA NIFA, ERS, AMS, and others. He began by outlining the standard structures and cycles of federal grants, noting how they typically follow consistent formats and reporting requirements. He advised listeners to pay attention to agency strategic plans, which often reveal future funding priorities and research interests.
Mark then turned to cooperative agreements, highlighting how they differ significantly in scope, funding mechanisms, and regulatory requirements. He shared specific challenges, including how a hemp survey under a cooperative agreement became delayed for years due to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) clearance process—an example of how red tape can slow research execution. Cooperative agreements, however, allow for closer collaboration with agency personnel and access to unique datasets and resources. Mark emphasized that these partnerships can be highly productive when navigated carefully, and he encouraged participants to consider both the opportunities and constraints of each funding mechanism when pursuing collaborative research.
This program is supported in part by the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association and the US Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, and the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Those who register but cannot attend our webinar can always view a recording of it later at the council’s YouTube channel.