Specifics of the Hughes Fellowship

Since its inception, the Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology has demonstrated the powerful combination of sound sciences and open-minded partnerships. In 2006, the Center started an initiative that will give this ethic a lasting presence in Maryland: the Harry R. Hughes Endowed Fellowship Fund.

To date, more than $178,000 has been raised toward the EndowedFellowship Fund. If you are interested in contributing to the Fund,please contact Nancy Nunn at (410) 827-6202 x 128 or e-mail her at nnunn@umd.edu. You may also make a gift by printing the Donation Form and mailing it to the Center, attention Nancy Nunn.

The purpose of the Endowed Fellowship Fund is to offer exceptional scholars and graduate students an opportunity to research a key issue or issues affecting agriculture and forestry (the working lands) in Maryland and to work with stakeholder groups during the process from conception through implementation. The overall experience will be to focus on creative problem solving.

Issues for research will be identified by asking environmental, farming, forestry, academic, legislative and other interests to identify their five top short-range and long range challenges facing the working lands in Maryland. Some examples include:

Assessing the effectiveness and value of tax credits for landowners who want to keep their land as working farms and forests, working with stakeholder groups to assess the benefits and helping to shepherd the concept through the legislature.
Identifying a regional niche for new market products, assessing potential according to product(s) and the chance for success through exporting the product(s) and distributing them regionally. Assessing start up costs, supporting costs and potential productivity and working with existing institutions to make it happen through changes in laws, regulations, interstate transport, etc.

For more information, contact Nancy Nunn

Last updated: 03/10/2009