Barry University’s CRAFT Scholars program is a USDA-funded opportunity to introduce students to career and research possibilities in agriculture, food security, supply systems, nutrition, food production, and more.  In Spring 2024 our 10 CRAFT Scholars traveled to Washington D.C. to visit the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) headquarters. 

During their trip the CRAFT Scholars visited several important agricultural and governmental institutions, including the Office of Partnership and Public Engagement (OPPE), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the Rural Development (RD) office, the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the Forest Service (FS), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). These visits provided the scholars with a deep understanding of the various aspects of agricultural policy, research, and management in the United States.

In addition to these institutional visits, they toured the US Capitol, gaining insights into the legislative process and the history of American democracy. They also visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which provided scholars with a profound understanding of the Black experience in the United States.

The scholars’ trip extended beyond the borders of D.C., as they also traveled to Baltimore to visit the Beltsville Research Center for a closer look at cutting-edge agricultural research and technology.

In addition, the scholars actively participated in community service during their trip. They volunteered with the University of the District of Columbia and worked on their farm, which not only provided them with a hands-on experience in agriculture but also allowed them to contribute to the local community.

Overall, the trip to Washington, D.C., was a comprehensive educational experience for the CRAFT Scholars, combining institutional visits, cultural exploration, and community service.