Ezra Taft Benson Agriculture and Food Institute

The Ezra Taft Benson Agriculture and Food Institute was created in 1975 under the direction of Brigham Young University. In 1987 the institute was placed under the direction of the College of Biology and Agriculture. In 2007 the College of Biology and Agriculture was renamed the College of Life Sciences. In 2008 the institute was transferred to LDS Charities, and renamed the Benson Food Initiative. Institute directors included: Lowell D. Wood (1977-1978), D. Delos Ellsworth (1978-1985), Laren R. Robinson (1985-1990), James B. Jenson (1990-1995), N. Paul Johnston (1995-2002), and Allen C. Christensen (2002-2008).

Variant names

Benson Institute

Description

Established: 1975

Abolished: 2008

Location: Provo, Utah (1975-2008)

Functions

The purpose of the Ezra Taft Benson Agriculture and Food Institute was to raise the quality of life among the people of the world through improved nutrition and enlightened agricultural practices. The institute cooperates with universities in the developing world, the institute emphasizes developmental research in village nutrition and agricultural production directed toward promoting self-reliant traditional families. The institute had university ties with Guatemala, Ecuador, and Bolivia.

Assets and Administrative Structure

The institute was administered by the institute director, under the direction of the college dean. The Ezra Taft Benson Agriculture and Food Institute was associated with a number of colleges throughout its history, including: Brigham Young University (1975-1987), the College of Biology and Agriculture (1987-2007), and the College of Life Sciences (2007- ).

Associated Units

Superior unit: Brigham Young University (1975-1987)

Superior unit: Brigham Young University. College of Biology and Agriculture (1987-2007)

Superior unit: Brigham Young University. College of Life Sciences (2007-2008)

Associated unit: Brigham Young University. Research Division (1977-1986)

Associated Archival Materials

Records and correspondence of the College of Biology and Agriculture, 1917-1986 (UA 702)

Sources

LDS Charities, via WWW, June 5, 2017 (est. 1975 at Brigham Young University; transferred to LDS Charities in 2008, renamed Benson Food Initiative)

Brigham Young University General Catalog, 1977-1978: p. 282 (Lowell D. Wood, director (1977-1978))

Brigham Young University General Catalog, 1978-1979: p. 250 (D. Delos Ellsworth, director (1978-1979))

Brigham Young University General Catalog, 1985-1986: p. 290 (variant name: Benson Institute; Laren R. Robinson, director (1985-1986))

Brigham Young University General Catalog, 1990-1991: p. 37 (James B. Jenson, director (1990-1991))

Brigham Young University Undergraduate Catalog, 1995-1996: p. 48 (N. Paul Johnston, director (1995-1996))

Brigham Young University Undergraduate Catalog, 2000-2001: p. 54 (ties to Guatemala, Ecuador, and Bolivia)

Brigham Young University Undergraduate Catalog, 2002-2003: p. 69 (Allen C. Christensen, director (2002-2003))

Maintenance Information

Record ID: EAC-2009-00589

Creator: RSP