WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2008 - USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) will host a stakeholder interest meeting on Sunday, October 12, 2008, to soliciting input on how to identify and certify Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities, which were added as cooperating education institutions under the 2008 Farm Bill.

When: October 12, 2008, 3:00 p.m.

Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 650 15th St., Denver, Colo.

Under the Farm Bill, Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities are are defines as colleges and universities that a) qualify as Hispanic-serving institutions and b) offer associate, bachelors, or other accredited degree programs in agriculture-related fields. These institutions are now eligible for CSREES integrated research, education and extension competitive grants programs.

More information on the program's implementation can be found online at www.csrees.usda.gov/business/reporting/stakeholder/hsacu.html

Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, CSREES focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit www.csrees.usda.gov.