Cooperative Research

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Research focuses on innovative approaches to applying the land-grant model in support of the highly developed agricultural and food system, environment, and citizens of New Jersey. This system operates within metropolitan and suburban residential contexts, which are juxtaposed to pristine natural environments such as the New Jersey Pinelands and the Highlands as well as to restored environments such as the Hackensack Meadowlands. Preserving our rich and diverse agricultural tradition in "The Garden State," helping our farmers, fisheries, nurseries, food processors, and agribusinesses cope with complex technical and regulatory issues, and generally enhancing the quality of life for the diverse populations within the state are all part of what we do. Research funded by NJAES ranges from providing solutions to immediate problems, for example developing diagnostic systems for emerging diseases, to searching for answers to broader problems, such as developing new tools to combat obesity.

Generation and transfer of knowledge and technologies through NJAES is best viewed as a continuum in an integrated system. Through this integrated system, we deal with research problems and needs that are identified throughout the agricultural, food, and environmental system. Needs assessment occurs at the grassroots level through Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension, though industry organizations, advisory boards, and professional associations, and through residents of New Jersey. Research problems and needs, once identified as priorities, are addressed by our scientists and students of Rutgers University. The research developments, findings and technologies are transferred through traditional and innovative mechanisms including educational and training programs, technology transfer, policy recommendations, and the formation of spin-off companies.