USDA Grant Supports USM Research Benefitting State Agriculture Industry

Thu, 07/25/2024 - 09:59am | By: David Tisdale

A research project at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) aiming to advance the Mississippi farming industry in sustainability and economic growth has earned a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).   

Dr. Fan Zhang, associate professor in the School of Construction Management, and Dr. Zhe Qiang, associate professor in the School of Polymer Science and Engineering, are the recipients of a $139,000 USDA Solid Waste Management Grant for their yearlong project titled “Empowering Rural Communities by Implementing Plastic Waste Management Trainings for Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana Farmers.” This initiative includes establishment of a plastic waste management training program for farmers in rural areas designed to stimulate economic gains, address climate pollution, and increase community and business resilience. 

The proposal to implement a plastic waste recycling training program for farmers in these states “represents a crucial step towards achieving this dual objective,” Dr. Qiang said. 

“In the heart of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana’s fertile landscapes lies a golden opportunity for rural communities to not only recover economically, but also take significant strides towards environmental sustainability,” he further noted. “These areas, frequently sidelined in sustainability conversations, are strategically placed to make a critical impact in diminishing climate pollution and enhancing resilience.”  

Through the program, farmers will be equipped with the knowledge and resources to transform plastic waste, a prevalent environmental challenge, into a valuable economic resource. The training curriculum will include identification of the need and current recycling landscape in the areas; development of educational/training materials; provision of hands-on, in-person trainings and assistance and continued post-training support, and evaluation of the technical and economic impact of the project for improvement; and broad distribution of the training program through virtual platforms.  

Dr. Qiang learned of the funding opportunity and considered a partnership with Dr. Zhang, combining Dr. Qiang’s experience developing and conducting training for underrepresented workers and communities, Dr. Qiang’s expertise in plastic recycling himself. Recognizing their complementary skills, the two joined forces for the project and developed a proposal, receiving invaluable assistance from Matthew Thornton in the Office of Research Administration (ORA). The research team will also include a graduate student and post-doctoral scholar.  

“We’re incredibly fortunate and grateful our project has been funded, and eagerly anticipate expanding this initiative and exploring future collaborative opportunities,” Dr. Zhang said. “Cross-discipline collaboration, like ours, strengthens our team by introducing diverse perspectives and possibilities. This project not only enhances our professional growth but also provides essential services to local communities, contributing positively to both their environmental and economic well-being.” 

Dr. Zhang noted that though agriculture is a cornerstone of economic and workforce development in across the three states, it's a “stark reality” these states have some of the highest poverty rates in the nation.  

“The development of agricultural businesses and activities in rural areas is essential to support economic growth and diversity,” she explained. “However, a current lack of training resources in these states makes farmers in rural areas particularly vulnerable, especially to addressing the growing challenge of plastic wastes. Therefore, for our local farms, the need for plastic waste management training is imperative. We need to deliver resources, expertise, and commitment to support the farming communities.” 

“By empowering rural communities to take charge of their environmental impact and economic prosperity, this program represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the Southern United States and beyond.”