Texas A&M University-Kingsville/Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores, Monterrey
Country:
Mexico
Award Date:
2002
Award Amount:
$241,452.00
Cost Share:
$338,768.00
Other Partners:
Asociación Rural Reynosa; Desarrollo Citrícola de Nuevo León; Fundación Produce de Nuevo León; Fundación Produce de Tamaulipas; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología; National Commission for Arid Zones; Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas
Local farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders improved their irrigation and water use efficiency through this TIES partnership. One hundred producers from the Irrigation District 026 in Reynosa and 80 citrus producers participated in two forums, which transferred knowledge on technologies, developed leadership, and provided networking opportunities. The partnership established a joint degree program where graduate students take courses at both TAMUK and ITESM to earn degrees from both institutions. Four Mexican graduate students completed this dual degree program. In addition, four undergraduate students completed a five-month internship at the Weslaco (Texas) Research and Extension Center and the Citrus Center. The partnership formed an advisory and evaluation committee that brought together stakeholders such as Fundación Produce de Nuevo León, the National Commission for Arid Zones (CONAZA), the Asociación Rural Reynosa, and Desarrollo Citrícola de Nuevo León to address agricultural and environmental issue of mutual concern.