Agricultural Research & Innovation
Responsive Agriculture
IHA Responsive Agriculture research fosters innovation in the agricultural sector and food environment to ensure economic prosperity while providing delicious, abundant, safe and nutritious food. Our work promotes health and well-being through agricultural innovation.
Through the Responsive Agriculture program, IHA drives advancement in human nutrition, environmental sustainability, and economic health across the agricultural value chain.
Integrated agricultural innovation
Responsive Agriculture programs focus on three key areas: human nutrition and public health, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. Our research leverages cutting-edge technologies and systems approaches to transform agricultural practices.
IHA scientists develop new technologies, methods, and applications that translate into commercial products responsive to societal needs, consumer demands, and waste reduction. This includes innovations in CRISPR technology and precision agriculture.
Our systems-based approach emphasizes quantifying the interactions between genetics, environment, and management in food production while ensuring economic sustainability across the U.S. agriculture sector.
Upcoming Events
Responsive Agriculture Forum 2025
Responsive Agriculture: The Solution to Creating a Healthier Future
We will feature dynamic thematic panels to discuss:
- Horticulture including floriculture and ornamental plants
- Row crops
- Animal protein, animal production, aquaculture, and proteins
Leading experts, researchers and industry representatives will join thought-provoking conversations as we collectively shape the future of the Responsive Agriculture hub at the IHA.
When: April 7, 2025 (World Health Day)
Where: AgriLife Center, College Station, TX
Projects & future plans
Snapshot
There are currently 18 active Responsive Agriculture projects operating across production systems.
- Research spans 12 states and multiple agricultural sectors
- Partnerships with over 200 agricultural producers and processors
Scholarly achievements
- New grant awarded from USDA NIFA and the Specialty Crop Research Initiative on project: “Labor, Efficiency, Automation, and Production: LEAP Nursery Crops Toward Sustainability”
- 32 new publications in high-impact journals and 28 national and international presentations in 2023
- Secured major grants from USDA, NSF, and industry partners
Featured Research: Steve Smith, Ph.D., Regents Professor and Senior Faculty Fellow
Dr. Smith pioneered research showing that glucose, rather than acetate, is the main substrate for fatty acid synthesis in marbling, a breakthrough for high-quality beef production. He is internationally acclaimed for his work on high-oleic acid beef, including human trials on its effects on cholesterol and heart health. His critical work contributes tremendously to the Responsive Agriculture vision.
Partnerships
The Responsive Agriculture program has established strategic partnerships across the agricultural sector. Among them are the following:
- Agricultural producers and processors
- Agtech companies
- Food industry leaders
- Environmental research organizations
- Agricultural extension services
- Consumer research firms
- Biotechnology companies
- Sustainable agriculture organizations
To all of our partners:
Thank you for your collaboration and innovation. Your involvement is transforming agriculture to better serve producers and consumers while advancing the future of food production.
Team members
Responsive Agriculture Associate members
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Alexandra MacMillan Uribe
Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Nutrition
Assistant Professor, Nutrition Project: Produce Rx: Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Improving Cardiometabolic Health Indicators Among Urban, Low-Income Adults…
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Arin Reeder
Assistant Director for Operations
Arin Reeder joined the Texas A&M Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, IHA, in 2022 as Assistant Director for Operations.…
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Get involved
Producer participation
Agricultural producers can participate in our research initiatives. As a research partner, you’ll gain early access to innovative technologies and practices while contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture.
Industry collaboration
The IHA develops transformative agricultural technologies and practices. We welcome partnerships with industry stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of sustainable innovations.
Join our mailing list
Keep up with the latest developments in agricultural innovation, sustainability practices, and market insights through our research updates.
