UN highlights MSU’s aquatic food research at FAO World Food Forum

Mississippi State’s Dan Reynolds, associate vice president for international programs, pictured on stage at right and representing the Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security, is recognized by U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization Director General Qu Dongyu during the organization’s 80th anniversary celebration Oct. 15. (Photo submitted)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is recognizing Mississippi State for its efforts to alleviate world hunger through developing sustainable aquatic food systems.

From left, Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security Director Mark Lawrence, GCAHFS Associate Director Stephen Reichley and a local partner in Cambodia look at a water sample. GCAHFS international work developing sustainable aquatic food systems is being recognized as part of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s 80th anniversary celebrations this week. (Photo submitted)

MSU’s Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security is being showcased for its technical leadership, collaboration and innovation in sustainable agrifood systems transformation today [Oct. 15] as part of the FAO’s 80th anniversary celebrations during the 2025 FAO World Food Forum. MSU’s efforts align with the FAO’s “four betters”—better production, better nutrition, better environment and a better life—and reflect the World Food Day theme, “Hand in hand for better foods and a better future.”

“GCAHFS is very pleased to represent MSU in receiving this recognition,” said Director Mark Lawrence. “Since 2013, we have partnered with FAO to support aquatic food security globally, including teaching farmers about rice-fish farming in Nigeria and implementing aquaculture biosecurity in Bangladesh.”

Established in 2013, the GCAHFS aims to reduce world hunger through research supporting sustainable aquaculture and the ecological health of aquatic resources, while also protecting and managing the health of aquatic animals, through a variety of domestic and international projects in a wide range of natural and social science areas. Its primary projects include bolstering fish health in the Republic of Georgia, caring for the critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and marine mammals at the Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Lab and serving as an FAO Reference Center on Antimicrobial Resistance and Aquaculture Biosecurity, among others.

Visit the GCAHFS online at www.gcahfs.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.

UN highlights MSU’s aquatic food research at FAO World Food Forum

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