(WDNews) — Governor Kay Ivey has awarded more than $2 million to the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology to support three major projects aimed at advancing agriculture and forestry across Alabama. The funds come from the Alabama Research and Development Advancement Fund, with additional support going to Auburn University and the University of Alabama.
“Researchers at these institutions have a track record of forging innovations that improve people’s lives in Alabama and beyond,” Gov. Ivey said. “Their far-reaching research impacts everything from the next wave of technology to the conservation of our forests. I am proud to support this important and pioneering work through these grant awards.”
Each HudsonAlpha project will be backed by state funds and matching contributions from the Institute, partner organizations, federal agencies, and private donors. This approach boosts the impact of public funding and strengthens Alabama’s innovation economy.
TRIALS Project – $309,576
The Technology & Research for Innovation Ag Leaders (TRIALS) program is a two-year pilot based in the Wiregrass region, led by HudsonAlpha researcher Dr. Josh Clevenger. Partnering with agtech startups Chonex and SouthGen Solutions, the project connects farmers with researchers to test new technologies that improve crop yield and soil health.
TRIALS will study products like Chonex’s StrongSoil® bio-fertilizer and SouthGen’s precision agriculture tools. The program also includes farmer consultations, producer panels, and a BioTrain summer internship to train future agricultural leaders.
Biotech to Accelerate Crops for Alabama – $938,992
This nearly $1.9 million project, led by Dr. Kankshita Swaminathan, focuses on using biotechnology to improve Alabama’s crop varieties. Supported by partners like Mars Inc. and the Department of Energy’s CABBI program, researchers will work to make plants more resilient, productive, and sustainable for Alabama farmers.
The project also invests in education, giving students hands-on training through programs like the Genes & Greens summer academy. The goal is to build a strong workforce in agricultural bioscience and agtech across the state.
Safeguarding Alabama Wild Forests – $999,803
Partnering with the Paint Rock Forest Research Center in Jackson County, this $2 million effort brings together HudsonAlpha’s genomic research and local forest conservation. Led by Dr. Jeremy Schmutz, the study will analyze the genetics of more than 90 native tree species to help protect forests from disease, pests, and climate change.
The findings will guide tree breeding and conservation programs throughout the Southeast. With strong local support, the project will also help small forest-based businesses and landowners protect Alabama’s multi-billion-dollar forestry industry.
“These grants represent a powerful vote of confidence in HudsonAlpha’s ability to drive innovation through collaboration,” said HudsonAlpha President Dr. Neil Lamb. “We are deeply grateful for the State’s support and for the visionary partners and donors whose matching investments make these transformative projects possible. Together, we are advancing a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for Alabama’s farmers, foresters, and communities.”
