Healthier. Here, There, and Everywhere.
At CFANS, we’re feeding the future and protecting the planet
At the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), we’re rolling up our sleeves to help feed the world while safeguarding our environment. And now, our efforts are front and center in the University of Minnesota’s 2024-2025 systemwide marketing campaign: “Healthier. Here, There, and Everywhere." This campaign highlights how the University is driving improvements in human and animal health, agricultural sustainability, and the overall well-being of our economy and society across Minnesota—and beyond.
CFANS is proud to be one of the five key stories featured in this campaign, shining a spotlight on our groundbreaking work to combat food insecurity. From pioneering research to innovative teaching and community outreach, we’re leading the charge in finding solutions to one of the world’s most pressing challenges. Dean Brian Buhr also takes the stage in one of the campaign’s spotlight features, underscoring the collective impact of our work.
Explore the stories making a difference
On this page, you’ll find inspiring stories of CFANS researchers and faculty making strides in One Health, sustainable food systems, agricultural innovation, and environmental stewardship. These stories showcase how our teaching, research, and outreach are improving lives across Minnesota and around the world. At a time when food security, climate change, and public health challenges are more urgent than ever, CFANS is at the forefront of creating a healthier future for all.
Fighting hunger, protecting the planet
Feeding the world while preserving our environment is one of the biggest challenges we face—right here in Minnesota and across the globe. And the numbers tell a powerful story.
Globally, 309 million people are facing acute hunger, with 900 million experiencing severe food insecurity in 2022 alone, according to the World Food Programme and the United Nations. Closer to home, the situation is just as alarming. In 2023, Minnesota food shelves recorded a staggering 7.5 million visits—a 32 percent increase from the previous year.
But there’s hope. At the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is leading the way with innovative, sustainable solutions. We’re tackling food insecurity from every angle—through cutting-edge research, hands-on teaching, and community-driven outreach. Our mission? To nourish a growing global population while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Together, we can create a world where everyone has access to healthy food—and a healthy planet.
An integrated approach to our food challenges
Addressing food insecurity continues to be one of the greatest challenges for our state, nation, and world.
Nourishing Minnesota: Improving health through food
Interns on the path to becoming dietitians are fulfilling CFANS’ mission to nourish people.
Sustainable food solutions
Building a better world by discovering the next generation of food ingredients.
Renewable energy for agriculture
Most Minnesotans agree: the future is bright with wind, solar, and renewable energy powering our homes and businesses. But it doesn’t stop there. The University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) is taking it a step further, focusing on how renewable energy can revolutionize production agriculture too.
“Renewable energy has the power to strengthen our economy while reducing our environmental footprint,” says Mike Reese, director of renewable energy at WCROC. “Our research is designed to benefit Minnesota farmers, but its impact could reach farmers around the world.”
By harnessing the potential of renewables, WCROC is helping create a more sustainable future—both on the farm and beyond.
Taking a closer look at plant disease
Finding ways to better understand major plant diseases to prevent plant disease outbreaks and reduce losses in wheat, oat, and barley.
On a mission to reduce dairy's carbon footprint
Exploring how crossbreeding in dairy cattle, organic dairy production, and renewable energy systems can reduce the emissions generated by dairies.
Advancing precision agriculture
Developing new remote sensing technologies to make farming more efficient and cost effective.
Sustaining our planet
CFANS research plays a critical role in sustaining our planet for future generations through groundbreaking work in forestry, fisheries, and wildlife conservation. By advancing sustainable forestry practices, CFANS helps protect vital ecosystems, mitigate climate change, and preserve biodiversity. In fisheries, researchers develop innovative solutions to maintain healthy aquatic populations, ensuring long-term food security and ecosystem balance. Wildlife conservation efforts focus on protecting threatened species and restoring habitats, promoting ecological resilience. Through these interdisciplinary initiatives, CFANS is fostering a healthier environment, safeguarding natural resources, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Protecting tree stands from future fires
Prescribed burns improve ecological community health by promoting the vitality of fire-loving plants, making trees more resilient to future fires, and reducing the risk of wildfires – all factors that benefit both human and non-human members of the community.
Conserving critical habitat in the face of climate change
Protecting lake habitats through watershed management to combat nutrient pollution and mitigate the effects of climate change on water quality and aquatic life.
Stopping the spread of invasive species
Left unchecked, invasive species would wreak havoc on Minnesota's ecosystems and economy. CFANS researchers find means to curb the invaders.
