Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station?
Do other states have Experiment Stations?
What are the MAES Research and Education Centers?
What are MAES research priorities?
Who benefits from MAES research?
How are MAES research programs funded?

What is the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station?

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

The Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) funds research conducted primarily by 115 faculty located within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland at College Park. Faculty utilize MAES' 10 research facilities, grouped into four research centers by geographical regions, for research that meets State, national, and international agricultural, environmental, economic, and social needs.

Do other states have Experiment Stations?

Yes. Agricultural experiment stations are part of a total program involving research, the Maryland Cooperative Extension, and higher education at land-grant universities in every state in the United States. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is the State's 1890 land-grant institution, and its research program is an integral part of MAES.

What are the MAES research and education centers?

The goal of these centers is to conduct research and provide rapid delivery of information to clientele in the region and State through interdisciplinary research and Extension programs.

What are MAES research priorities?

Experiment Station priorities are to:

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

Who benefits from MAES research?

All Marylanders benefit! Advances in agricultural production through research have contributed to an abundance of high-quality food at a relatively low cost. Agriculture is Maryland's largest single industry, comprising a critical section of Maryland's economy. Environmental and natural resource concerns and the need to support traditional as well as emerging agricultural industries are high
priorities in Maryland. All require advances in research and technology.

How are MAES research programs funded?

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

For more information, contact Theresa Simmons

Last updated: 04/6/2006