Home > About MAES > FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• About MAES
• Accomplishments
• FAQ

1. What is the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station?
2. Do other states have Experiment Stations?
3. What are the MAES Research and Education Centers?
4. What are MAES research priorities?
5. Who benefits from MAES research?
6. How are MAES research programs funded?

What is theMaryland Agricultural Experiment Station?

The Federal government established the state AgriculturalExperiment Station network through the Hatch Act of 1887.Experiment stations were established to ensure that agriculturalresearch geared to specific geographic regions would be conductedthroughout the United States. Agricultural Experiment Stations arepart of a total program involving research, Cooperative Extension,and higher education at land-grant universities in every state. TheUniversity of Maryland Eastern Shore is the State's 1890 land-grantinstitution, and its research program is an integral part ofMAES.

The Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) fundsresearch conducted primarily by 115 faculty located within theCollege of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University ofMaryland at College Park. Faculty utilize MAES' 10 researchfacilities, grouped into four research centers by geographicalregions, for research that meets State, national, and internationalagricultural, environmental, economic, and social needs.

Do other states haveExperiment Stations?

Yes. Agricultural experiment stations are part of a totalprogram involving research, the Maryland Cooperative Extension, andhigher education at land-grant universities in every state in theUnited States. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is theState's 1890 land-grant institution, and its research program is anintegral part of MAES.

What are the MAESresearch and education centers?

The goal of these centers is to conduct research and providerapid delivery of information to clientele in the region and Statethrough interdisciplinary research and Extension programs.

What are MAES research priorities?

Experiment Station priorities are to:

• provide scientific expertise to deal with environmental andnatural resource issues;
• assist in sustaining competitive and profitable agriculture inMaryland;
• develop appropriate technology for alternative and emergingagricultural industries, such as aquaculture;
• enhance the role of biotechnology and automated systems inaccelerating agricultural production efficiency, environmentalquality, and natural resource management;
• improve food quality and human nutrition; and develop land-useand public policy.

Who benefits from MAESresearch?

All Marylanders benefit! Advances in agricultural productionthrough research have contributed to an abundance of high-qualityfood at a relatively low cost. Agriculture is Maryland's largestsingle industry, comprising a critical section of Maryland'seconomy. Environmental and natural resource concerns and the needto support traditional as well as emerging agricultural industriesare high
priorities in Maryland. All require advances in research andtechnology.

How are MAES researchprograms funded?

In Maryland, funds for research and facilities operations arederived from State appropriations (54 percent), Federal formulafunds (13 percent), farm sales (5 percent) and contracts and grants(28 percent).

      ShareThis

For more information, contact Theresa Simmons

Last updated: 03/10/2009