On Oct. 12-13, Fayetteville State University held its inaugural Edamame Field Picking Day at the Central Crop Research Station in Clayton, North Carolina. Supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation and the North Carolina Collaborative Seed Grant, the event drew over 40 participants eager to learn about sustainable agriculture and health-conscious food options.
Institutions such as the USDA-ARS Soybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research, Virginia State University, and North Carolina State University’s Central Crop Research Station collaborated with FSU on this initiative. The event was designed to educate attendees about the benefits of edible legumes like edamame and share ongoing research on nitrogen fixation, an essential process for improving soil health and crop sustainability.
Ganesh Bora, Ph.D., FSU’s associate vice chancellor for research and innovation, expressed the event’s intent to connect scientific concepts with the community. “We aim to bridge the gap between agricultural science and the public, sparking curiosity in sustainable food choices like edamame. This event serves as a welcoming introduction for those who wish to explore how science and technology contribute to producing healthy, environmentally friendly food alternatives,” he noted. Bora participated in the picking activities alongside his daughter.
Dr. Afua Arhin, dean of FSU’s College of Health, Science, and Technology, emphasized the learning opportunities presented by Edamame Picking Day. “One primary advantage of the event is its accessibility, aimed at introducing science and technology concepts to those who might not traditionally engage in STEM fields,” she remarked. “This interactive experience helped demystify scientific practices, making science both approachable and relevant, especially for those with an interest in healthy, sustainable food options.”
The Power of Collaboration
The event showcased the collaborative efforts among academic institutions and government organizations to raise awareness about agricultural science and promote the advantages of sustainable farming practices. Key experts, including Professor Guoliang Jiang from Virginia State University and representatives from USDA-ARS, contributed their insights during the event.
Students from FSU’s Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences—Rikki Locklear, Nathan Kipyego, and Faith Kipkosgei—expressed enthusiasm about how the event encourages dialogue around research and the importance of communicating agricultural science to the broader public. Keith Starke, superintendent of the Central Crops Research Station, added that such outreach initiatives are crucial in reinforcing sustainable farming practices and fostering community support for healthier food choices.
Jiazheng (John) Yuan, associate professor at FSU and event coordinator, described the Edamame Picking Day as more than just a harvesting activity. “It’s a comprehensive educational outreach initiative that promotes health, sustainability, and the value of agricultural science while strengthening connections between academic research, local communities, and the future of food security and environmental stewardship,” Yuan stated.
As FSU continues to expand its outreach efforts, events like the Edamame Picking Day serve as vital platforms for educating the public about agriculture’s role in health and environmental stewardship.