During the conference, it became apparent that successful multi-state collaboration has three overarching elements—addresses complex problems; provides efficiency and effective program structure; and capitalizes on shared excellence.

Complex problems demand complex solutions not readily investigated by individual scientists or institutions. Examples of such critical agricultural issues are global warming (see related sidebar), animal well being, water quality and distribution, and nutrient flow.

Multi-state collaborations yield efficiency and effectiveness when limited expertise or resources are used to benefit diverse clientele and stakeholders who have similar needs or problems. Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina jointly employ a specialist in orchard floor weed management, a critical need for fruit growers in that region (see related sidebar).

Shared excellence allows Land Grant universities to provide richer experiences and benefits to farmers, students, businesses and other clients. For example, a cooperative academic program allows students from 13 Midwest schools to study poultry science (see related sidebar). A university’s participation in a foreign agricultural endeavor can yield knowledge that is applicable to problems in its home state. A distance learning program could bring together the best minds in biochemistry for a graduate seminar.

Conference participants discussed other elements critical to successful multi-state collaborative projects. They fall into four major categories: mutual benefits, structure, teamwork and program assessment.

Mutual benefits: Collaborative projects need to be win-win situations for all the players. The gains and costs to each player may not be equal, but each player needs to gain from the venture. Hand-in-hand with that is mutual respect for the role of each player at the table. Project expectations must also be shared—by the participating universities, students or industry stakeholders.

Structure: Collaborative projects are ideal structures for integrated research, education and outreach programs. Interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary approaches to sound science are needed to address today’s complex issues, issues that are ideal for collaborative ventures. Upper level and graduate coursework—specifically those areas with specialized needs and low enrollment—offer obvious opportunities for collaborative academic programs. Collaborative programs also provide an opportunity to use innovative delivery models, such as distance education, student/faculty exchanges, internships or cooperative education.

Teamwork: Across the board, collegiality is required—among academicians, students and stakeholders. Successful collaborative programs require the full involvement and support of all faculty members.

Key to any multi-state collaboration project is a champion—the person or persons who maintain momentum for a project by cultivating support from within and outside the university.

Consistent policies are needed across the Land Grant university system to recognize and reward faculty work in collaborative programs, as well as to recognize such projects and faculty roles in the budget process. While maximizing resource efficiency, collaborative programs still require appropriate staff, infrastructure support and funding to be successful. Memoranda of understanding (MOU) between participating institutions can be used to address registration, credit and grade transfers, as well as budget details, liability and accountability issues.