Agricultural News
OPCIE Announces New Collaboration with Oklahoma Conservation Commission
Thu, 27 Jan 2022 08:24:01 CST
The Oklahoma Pandemic Center for Innovation and Excellence (OPCIE) announced today an exciting new partnership with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC). The collaboration will feature the development of Soil Health Management Systems, an invaluable tool that will help ensure Oklahoma farmers and ranchers have healthy soil, plants and animals for generations to come.
"We're excited to enter this collaboration with the OCC and establish an innovative standard for agricultural practices in the state of Oklahoma," said Elizabeth Pollard, Secretary of Science and Innovation. "As a largely rural and agricultural state, we have an opportunity to become a leader in regenerative soil research and continue to position Oklahoma as a top ten state."
This comprehensive management system will allow farmers to monitor soil, air, plant and water health quality. Using its web and mobile-based resource applications, they can review the data and make informed decisions to improve their soil quality, increase profitability and provide quality products to consumers throughout the state and nation.
"Studying soil health practices and regenerative agriculture can greatly improve the quality of both crops and animals," said Dr. Pravin Mishra, Chief Operating Officer at the OPCIE.
The OPCIE has adopted a One Health approach to public health, which recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and the environment. Using this approach, the OPCIE sets a new standard for promoting, preserving and responding to public health.
"Everything we do at the OPCIE is centered around our One Health approach, and we believe this partnership with the OCC will help bring us closer to fulfilling our vision of improving the health of humans and animals by studying the health of our soil and environment," said Dr. Mishra.
Studying soils and biofortification can also play a critical role in understanding how infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, are transmitted. By entering into this partnership with the OCC, researchers can begin exploring links between soil health, animal health, human health and pandemic prevention.
"Our team has decades of experience working on initiatives to reduce soil erosion, prevent flooding and improve the quality of stream water, which all directly impact the health and wellbeing of Oklahomans," said Trey Lam, Executive Director of the OCC. "We're excited to share this partnership with the OPCIE and leverage our joint expertise in human, animal and environmental health to provide innovative solutions to our local agricultural communities, while continuing to preserve the health of Oklahomans."
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