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Discover Our Majors: Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems

News Archive

green leaves with reddish brown spots

Jun 19, 2026

Mapping Cotton Bacterial Blight Resistance

A new study by NC State researchers explores the genetic makeup of cotton plants to identify the source of their resistance to cotton bacterial blight, which has reemerged as a threat to cotton production in the U.S. 

Jun 18, 2026

Microbial partners may help plants respond to higher temperatures

New research suggests the microbiome near the surface of a plant’s roots, known as the rhizosphere microbiome, may play a role in helping crops respond to heat stress. When studying adaptation in living things, scientists sometimes analyze the interplay between genetics and environment to influence measurable traits, a phenomenon known as Genotype by Environment interactions… 
a woman uses a pole trimmer to cut a tall plant into a mickey mouse shaped head

Jun 8, 2026

Planting Magic at Disney World

Alumna Neva Grace Brescia, who majored in agroecology and sustainable food systems, has spent the last six months sowing a bit of wonder as a plant science intern at Walt Disney World. 
NC State research flies a drone over dormant warm-season turfgrass research plots.

Jun 3, 2026

Harvesting Data for Agriculture

New technology for better drone-based data collection and analysis is helping turn North Carolina’s agricultural research stations into farms of the future, and an N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative team is intent on delivering even more tech solutions that help farmers put data to work. 
A woman speaks to a group during a workshop in a field.

May 28, 2026

Manure Marketplace in the Making: NC State’s Food Animal Initiative Developing New Tool

A new manure marketplace project at NC State University seeks to make the most of this organic fertilizer by creating a tool to connect livestock and poultry producers with row crop farmers. 
A woman wearing glasses and a lab coat smiling while holding a petri dish.

May 26, 2026

Breeding Possibilities for Better Crops

Driven by a strong work ethic, Caitlin Kestell, a doctoral student in crop science, pursues genome editing and biotechnology to advance crop improvement and inspire young scientists. 
two wolf statues made of copper weaved metal standing on a brick patio surrounded by trees

May 13, 2026

2026 William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professors Announced

Ten professors in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences have been named William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professors, which recognizes outstanding scholars, leaders, teachers and mentors. 
Dr Stan Buol -

May 4, 2026

Obituary For Dr Stanley Walter Buol

Stanley Walter Buol, age 91, from Garner, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at his home. Stan was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, on June 14, 1934, and… 
A scientist wearing a sweat-stained hat and sunglasses smilies while standing in a cornfield

May 4, 2026

Obituary For Dr Major Mereland Goodman

RALEIGH – Dr. Major Mereland Goodman, William Neal Reynolds and Distinguished University professor of crop science at N.C. State University, 87, died March 29, 2026. Major was considered one of the leading… 
Outdoor portrait of senior Chloé Sharpe, an agroecology and sustainable food systems major.

Apr 29, 2026

Discover Our Majors: Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems

Senior Chloé Sharpe’s lifelong appreciation for local agriculture led her to the agroecology program at NC State, where she found her Wolfpack, chose a career path and learned more about who she is.