Kentucky State University is one of nineteen 1890 Land Grant institutions that are mandated by the Morrill Act of 1890 to conduct research, extension, and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences. The Kentucky State University (KSU) Land Grant Program works to uphold the mission of the University through its commitment to research, extension, and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences. The KSU Land Grant Program is committed to resolving agricultural, educational, economic, and social problems of the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, especially to serve the underserved in rural and urban settings. The Land Grant Program at KSU receives a significant portion of its funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which provides programmatic oversight, regulation, and guidance. Such USDA mission areas as the cooperative extension and research are dedicated to assisting stakeholders across the nation and in implementing strategic initiatives of the USDA through programs that enable such universities to conduct research, teaching, Extension and outreach.

The Land Grant Program research and extension activities enable KSU to offer many opportunities for students interested in learning more about a wide range of disciplines, including food and agricultural sciences, environmental science, natural resources, family science, consumer science, rural sociology, and community development. A U.S. Department of Agriculture Liaison Officer is located on the campus to counsel Land Grant administrators and students on national initiatives, and opportunities for partnerships with the USDA. This person also works with high school and college students by exposing them to career opportunities in the food and agricultural sciences. College students are eligible for internships while enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Additionally, the Liaison Officer promotes and accepts applications for the USDA 1890 Scholars Program, which offers a full scholarship package (tuition and a computer as well as room and board) to high school graduates who are interested in working for the USDA after completion of their undergraduate studies. A separate 1890 Scholarships Program also provides scholarships to outstanding students entering the institution to pursue and complete baccalaureate degrees in the food and agricultural sciences and related fields that would lead to a highly skilled food and agricultural systems workforce.

The Land Grant Program also houses research and Extension programming.

The Community Research Service (CRS) is focused on three main research areas: Aquaculture, Organic and Sustainable Agriculture and Human Health, Nutrition, and Food Safety. The KSU Land Grant Program has nationally and internationally recognized research programs in Aquaculture or fish farming to bring new economic opportunities to Kentucky.

The Aquaculture Program, KSU’s “Program of Distinction,” is widely recognized as being a Top 5 program in the nation in aquaculture. The program is a national and international leader in the areas of water quality, disease diagnostics, aquaponics, pond development and management, fish meal replacement research, as well as paddlefish culture, freshwater prawn and saltwater shrimp culture, Koi breeding, production of largemouth bass on-feed, catfish and hybrid striped bass production. New organic food markets continue to grow, and alternative crops and production methods are desired by farmers. The KSU Land Grant Program’s Organic Program is nationally ranked in the top 20 amongst 1890 and 1862 Land Grant institutions.