In a celebratory gathering on August 22, Mississippi State University (MSU) marked a milestone in the fight against global hunger and poverty: five years of success through the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish. This effort, managed by MSU’s Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security, has been at the forefront of improving global health and sustainability through aquaculture. The event was marked by an announcement of a five-year grant extension that added $15 million in funding.
At the event, Robert Bertram, Chief Scientist of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), commended the lab’s achievements and the strategic partnerships it has fostered. “MSU is a long-standing and proud partner in the struggle to achieve global food security by putting sustainable, quality, nutritious, and affordable foods within the reach of all," Bertram remarked. "The Fish Innovation Lab and its leaders wisely engaged the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and WorldFish early on, which has multiplied the lab’s influence and impact."
The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish, launched in 2018 with USAID funding, has made a significant impact through a $15 million portfolio of 24 projects across Asia and Africa. Seven of these projects, spanning countries like Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia, were led by MSU faculty, underscoring the university’s global reach and expertise in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries.
The lab’s work is vital as the world grapples with food insecurity exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and political instability. Aquaculture and fisheries provide essential sources of nutrition and livelihood for millions of people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), fish and seafood contribute 17% of the global population’s animal protein intake, making sustainable fisheries crucial to food security efforts.
As Bertram noted, the lab’s partnership with global organizations such as the United Nations FAO and WorldFish has amplified its impact and shaped international best practices in sustainable fisheries. These collaborations are critical to building resilient food systems that withstand environmental and economic challenges.
MSU President Mark E. Keenum highlighted the university’s role in advancing global food security through this initiative: "We have an outstanding partnership with USAID, and by working together, we are developing innovative solutions to address global hunger and poverty through the Fish Innovation Lab." Keenum, who has also held leadership roles within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of these partnerships in creating sustainable, scalable solutions for some of the world’s most pressing issues.
At the beginning of August, MSU took its commitment to global food security a step further by co-hosting the Intersection of Agriculture and Competitive Statecraft conference in Washington, D.C. This event, designed to explore how agriculture can serve as a tool for diplomacy and peace, reinforced the idea that sustainable food systems can contribute to both global stability and improved livelihoods.
MSU’s Vice President for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine, Keith Coble, reflected on the real-world impact of the university's work, saying, “Today, we have seen evidence of this in action. This is a reminder that the solutions we create here at Mississippi State University are sparking change and meeting the most basic needs of people across the globe.”
The Fish Innovation Lab continues to expand its impact as it enters a new phase of activities focused on food security and aquaculture advancements. With six new one-year projects underway, the lab is tackling issues such as improving fish production techniques, reducing post-harvest losses, and enhancing nutrition for vulnerable populations in its target regions.
Beyond the immediate work, the lab's long-term vision is to create sustainable and scalable aquaculture models that can be replicated in diverse contexts worldwide. As MSU and its partners look ahead, the commitment to addressing food insecurity through innovative and sustainable solutions remains unwavering. With continued investment and collaboration, the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish is set to leave an even greater legacy of change and resilience in global food systems.
This event, aptly titled “Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish: Creating Global Solutions for Our Collective Future,” brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including scientists, researchers, and policy-makers, all working towards securing a better future for vulnerable communities worldwide.
