A key component of the land-grant system is the Agricultural Experiment Station (AES).  Created by the Hatch Act of 1887, Agricultural Experiment Stations have the charge of finding solutions to problems of agriculture in the respective state.  An excerpt from the Hatch Act of 1887 states, “It is the duty of the Agricultural Experiment Station to conduct original and other research, investigations, and experiments … basic to the problems of agriculture in the broadest sense … or as may be deemed advisable, having due regard to the varying conditions and needs of the respective state.” Thus, UDC’s Agricultural Experiment Station is challenged with addressing specific problems and issues unique to an urban environment.  Like most large cities, the District of Columbia works diligently to combat problems in public safety, education, housing, healthcare, and economic development.  Urban agriculture can be defined as a branch of agriculture that addresses unique, yet germane issues pertaining to the urban environment, such as, but not limited to, socio-economic concerns, literacy, human health and nutrition, urban food production, preservation and conservation of the urban natural resources, land usage, urban greening, recreation, environmental monitoring, water quality, pollution, environmental stewardship, pest control, and cultural diversity. 
In a continued effort to enhance the quality of life of an urban society, AES established eight (8) goals in alignment with the five (5) strategic goals set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  These carefully planned AES goals provide our researchers and staff with direction and specificity, while fostering creativity, team work, and perseverance.  The goals of the AES are to:

1) Promote urban agriculture in the fields of nutrition and health, resource conservation, urban gardening, food production, and community vitality;

2) Expand research activities to include some critical urban issues, i.e. socio and economic concerns, plight of the homeless population, diabetes, obesity, and illiteracy;

3) Develop revitalization projects in the Anacostia and Chesapeake Bay Watersheds;

4) Promote sustainable neighborhoods and healthy urban environments;

5) Promote environmental education training programs for students and teachers;

6) Establish AES/CES integrated projects;

7) Enhance viability and visibility of the AES Muirkirk Research Farm; and

8) Improve Information Transfer. 

Over the next five years, AES will expand research, investigations, and activities to critical health issues such as hypertension, obesity, and aging.  Additionally, AES will continue to promote environmental conservation and community engagement and awareness.  As these goals are met, residents of the District of Columbia will benefit from the results of research, education, and extension and the University will be steps closer to achieving greater harmony between agriculture and the environment.