TUSKEGEE — Tuskegee University, Florida A&M University, and U.S. Sugar are proud to announce a collaborative partnership that underscores a shared commitment to innovative, environmentally responsible and community-minded agriculture in South Florida’s Glades farming region.

“With its long history and legacy of promoting environmental stewardship, Tuskegee University is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices as we work together to feed a growing population. This partnership is an extension of this work, and we are excited to engage the local community to inform this project,” noted Olga Bolden-Tiller, Dean and Research Director at Tuskegee University – College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences.

Dr. Garlen D. Weston, Interim Dean of Agriculture at Florida A&M University, echoed their interest in the program. “I am proud to join hands with Tuskegee University and U.S. Sugar in this transformative partnership. By uniting our expertise and resources, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering innovative, environmentally responsible agriculture in the Glades region and beyond. This collaboration exemplifies our dedication to understanding sustainable agricultural practices and underscores our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our communities. We are honored to be a part of this impactful endeavor.”

U.S. Sugar is a majority employee and charity-owned agricultural business based in Clewiston. This partnership will launch a comprehensive environmental study to assess the impacts of sustainable farming practices, including sugarcane-burning practices, throughout the region. The aim is to assess the industry’s economic and ecological impacts and explore sustainable practices aligning with our shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

In addition to the environmental study, the universities will undertake an economic analysis focusing on the agricultural sector’s contributions to the surrounding communities. This aims to shed light on industry’s economic impacts, particularly in minority communities, to reinforce the industry’s role as a key economic driver in the region.