(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Feed the Future Soybean Innovation Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was saved from closing after a $1 million donation from an anonymous donor through Founders Pledge. Earlier this year, the USAID-funded lab was told to stop its work after 12 years of helping farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Australia.

SIL director Pete Goldsmith had found temporary funds to keep the lab open until April 15, but the new gift will allow operations to continue for another year, according to the College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences at Illinois.

Goldsmith said the lab will now focus on its work in southern Malawi’s Lower Shire Valley, helping farmers grow soybeans in challenging conditions. SIL had just started building the soybean industry. Stopping the project would have delayed important advances for the area’s agriculture.

SIL’s efforts not only help African farmers but also boost the U.S. and global economies, Goldsmith said. By reducing risks and building strong markets, the lab makes it easier for farmers, traders, and processors to succeed. Goldsmith stressed that without SIL, there would be no backup plan for soybean development in Africa.

Donations are also being accepted to support SIL’s work.

 

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