Food and Agriculture Research Mission

Our goal

One of six research networks within WashU Bursky School of Public Health’s Office of Innovation, FARM aspires to catalyze transformative, interdisciplinary science through a public health-centered approach to food and agriculture, working with academic, public, and private sector partners to ensure access to healthy, sustainable diets for all.

fruits, vegetables, grains, arranged colorfully, some in bowls

FARM Food Futures Forum: From Rural Health to Food Security

The health of rural communities is closely connected to the food systems we all depend on.

On October 13 and 14, 2026, join us for the 2026 FARM Food Futures Forum: From Rural Health to Food Security. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, this two-day convening will examine how agriculture, nutrition, food systems, and rural health intersect to shape population health.

Learn more

Artwork for FARM Food Futures Forum: From Rural Health to Food Security

Funding opportunities

We are proud to announce two unique funding opportunities, seeking new, practical innovations in the field of food security and public health outcomes.

FARM Growing Health Competition

Pre-proposal applications are now being accepted for the FARM Growing Health Competition to advance innovative technologies, products, services, or processes to move promising discoveries beyond the research stage toward implementation and commercialization.

Learn about the Growing Health Competition

Areas of focus

Sustainable food systems

We focus on innovative research that will build healthier, more resilient, and biodiverse agrifood systems. Together with local and global thought leaders, we champion solutions that enhance nutrition, protect the environment, and reduce waste from farm to table.

farmers market photo of vegetables in little baskets

Health of agricultural communities

Recognizing that the health of our food systems depends on the health of people who produce, harvest, process and transport our food, we advance initiatives to improve the health of agricultural communities.

Technology for food and agriculture

Agricultural technologies—from AI to advanced breeding— can help improve productivity, protect the environment, and support public health. Through strong partnerships across St. Louis’s innovation ecosystem, we help translate discoveries into real-world impact.

school lunches for kids on colorful trays. chicken nuggets, sandwich with bun, juice, apple, cut vegetables

Governance, policy, and the enabling environment

We support and contribute research that strengthens food system governance, informing policies and practices to safeguard equitable and sustained access to nutritious food.

Leadership

Portrait of Morven McLean taken outside with greenery behind her

Primary faculty

Morven McLean, MSc, PhD

Associate Dean for Innovation, Professor of Practice

Primary faculty

Lora Iannotti, MA, PhD

Lauren and Lee Fixel Distinguished Professor

Mark Doyle, PhD

Senior network manager

Mark has more than 20 years of experience in research and program development in agriculture, nutrition, and natural resources management. Prior to joining the School of Public Health, he worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) leading interdisciplinary teams responsible for managing agriculture, sanitation, and biodiversity programs in close partnership with local communities, government, universities, international research centers, and the private sector. Before joining USAID, Mark served as Director of Global Engagement at the University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and as a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the international office at the National Science Foundation.

What we do

Foster dialogue and build lasting partnerships

Support interdisciplinary research

Translate research into policy and practice

Develop the next generation of researchers and practitioners

Get in touch

For questions about FARM, or for potential collaboration, email [email protected].