This launch is part of our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, which focuses on academic excellence, research innovation, student success, and community engagement. The new identity reflects not just a change in name, but a renewed commitment to visibility, impact, and leadership across agriculture, food, and natural resources.
-
Animal Systems – advancing livestock science, animal health, nutrition, reproduction, and sustainable production methods.
-
Plant Systems – leading innovations in crop science, genetics, physiology, and resilient agriculture.
-
Food & Nutrition Systems – addressing food security, nutrition, and public health through cutting-edge research.
-
Natural Resources & Environmental Systems – developing resilient water and soil, and sustainable practices to protect ecosystems and communities.
- Social Systems & Allied Programs – integrating behavioral and social sciences, agricultural economics, and resilience against disasters to strengthen rural communities and address food access.
- Artificial Intelligence Systems – harnessing artificial intelligence, data science, and precision agriculture to revolutionize research and practice.
-
For Students: Experiential learning, mentorship, internships, and global opportunities.
-
For Faculty & Staff: Partnerships, and visibility for groundbreaking work.
-
For Communities: Stronger outreach, innovation, and solutions that address the needs of Texans and the world’s pressing challenges.
-
Grow enrollment and student success
-
Launch new degree programs
-
Expand research excellence and infrastructure
-
Build partnerships that transform communities
The Cooperative Agricultural Research Center (CARC) is the research arm of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR).
The 3+1 missions for our vision of excellence in research are: 1) Pursuit of innovative and relevant research, 2) Attainment of external grants for impactful research, 3) Publications and presentations. +1) Establishing active linkages between research, student success, and extension outreach.
The research program is consisted of six systems: Animal Systems, Plant Systems, Food and Nutrition Systems, Natural Resources and Environmental Systems, Social Systems and Allied Research, and Artificial Intelligence.
The research programs also include the International Goat Research Center (IGRC), Food Security Research Center (FSRC), Poultry Center, Meat Science Center, and Algae Center in the Gov. Bill and Vara Daniel Farm and Ranch.












