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Press Release
CONSUL GENERAL EXPLORES AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COOPERATION WITH SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Consul General Diano presenting a gift to Dr. Smart
(Photo by Ms. Sherylou Kroll)
CHICAGO 21 October 2025- Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension’s Interim Director Dr. Alexander Smart on 17 October 2025 at SDSU’s Berg Agricultural Hall in Brookings, South Dakota. She was accompanied by Consul Melvin Almonguera.
Acknowledging the university’s standing as a research authority in agriculture, the Consul General explored opportunities for Filipino researchers and agricultural professionals. She mentioned that the Philippines could benefit from SDSU’s expertise as agriculture remains a national priority in the country’s pursuit of food security.
Dr. Smart shared that SDSU has considerable academic resources on advanced farming, swine production, beef industry and dairy management, among others. He also mentioned that SDSU is currently researching on aquaculture for possible substitutes for soybean meals.
Dr. Smart remarked that the university is open to international partnerships as it maintains collaborative arrangements with a university in Hungary and with an academic institution in South Korea. He further mentioned that the Philippines’ warm climate could present useful opportunities for SDSU’s studies. END
Consul General Diano discussing the country’s agricultural profile
(Photo by Ms. Sherylou Kroll)
Consul General Diano presenting a gift to Dr. Smart
(Photo by Ms. Sherylou Kroll)
CHICAGO 21 October 2025- Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension’s Interim Director Dr. Alexander Smart on 17 October 2025 at SDSU’s Berg Agricultural Hall in Brookings, South Dakota. She was accompanied by Consul Melvin Almonguera.
Acknowledging the university’s standing as a research authority in agriculture, the Consul General explored opportunities for Filipino researchers and agricultural professionals. She mentioned that the Philippines could benefit from SDSU’s expertise as agriculture remains a national priority in the country’s pursuit of food security.
Dr. Smart shared that SDSU has considerable academic resources on advanced farming, swine production, beef industry and dairy management, among others. He also mentioned that SDSU is currently researching on aquaculture for possible substitutes for soybean meals.
Dr. Smart remarked that the university is open to international partnerships as it maintains collaborative arrangements with a university in Hungary and with an academic institution in South Korea. He further mentioned that the Philippines’ warm climate could present useful opportunities for SDSU’s studies. END
Consul General Diano discussing the country’s agricultural profile
(Photo by Ms. Sherylou Kroll)