The College of Micronesia Land Grant Program’s central office was proud to host its 2026 annual Board of Regents meeting in Pohnpei, coinciding with the opening of its newly remodeled office on the third floor of the building that houses the COM-FSM Cooperative Research & Extension (CRE) program and the Small Business Development Center office. This important event brought together key leaders from all across the Micronesian region led by Chairman of the board Dr. Emais Roberts from the Republic of Palau, Vice Chair Suzanne L. Gallen from the Federated States of Micronesia, and honorable Minister Gerald Zackios from the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Also attending were the presidents of the three partner colleges, College of Micronesia-FSM (COM-FSM), Palau Community College (PCC), and the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) along with the three Vice Presidents of Cooperative Research & Extension (CRE) programs from each of these partner colleges and several researchers and extension agents.

The Board of Regents convened its annual meeting at the newly inaugurated COM LGP central office conference room. Key agenda items discussed included budget updates, investment performance reports-reviews and advisories provided by Raymond James & Associates – Guam branch, policies, and quarterly progress reports provided by the central office team as well as the partner college CRE Vice Presidents highlighting challenges, issues, ongoing initiatives and program activities across the region.

The meeting was concluded with a farewell reception hosted by the COM Land -Grant central office at the Mangrove Bay Bar and Restaurant, providing a warm and collegial setting for attendees to strengthen partnerships and exchange ideas on advancing COM LGP mandates across the region.

Sitting from Left to Right (front row) Chairman of the Board of Regents, Dr. Emails Robert of ROP, Vice Chair of COMLG Board of Regents to the FSM, Suzann L. Gallen, CMI Board of Regents, Hon. Gerald Zackios. Second Row in the back from Right to left, Dr. Cristopher Kitalong, PCC-CRE VP, Mr. Steven Young, COMFSM-CRE-VP, Stanley Lorennij, COMLG Executive Director (Central Office), PCC – President, Dr. Patrick Telley, Incomming Board of Regents, Mrs. Lynn Sonden of COMFSM, Associate Director – CES, Engly Ioanis, COMFSM-President, Dr.Theresa Koroivulaono, CMI-CRE VP, Dr. Adedayao Ogunmokun, Dr. Murukesan Krishnapillai, Researcher/Extension YAP CRE and CMI-CRE personnel and CFO of COMLG-Central Office.

Holiday Notice – College of Micronesia Land Grant Program Office Closures.

The College of Micronesia Land Grant Program will be observing the following holidays and breaks in November & December 2025:

This is an encouraging update to the previous update on COM LGP’s current status amidst the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.

Please note that COM LGP has recently been granted permission to draw down funds from the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP.gov), thereby enabling the continuation of full operations through the end of January, contingent upon ASAP.gov’s continued availability per the drawdown schedule.

The directive sent out earlier to all CRE VPs and the Call for Action within the shutdown contingency plan are currently being temporarily rescinded for now and all normal operations shall continue. COM LGP will continue monitoring the situation, and if circumstances change or further action becomes necessary, timely updates and directions will be provided.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Contingency Plan for U.S. Government Shutdown

Scenario: ASAP Drawdown is NOT Available

1.Purpose

This contingency plan establishes the actions to be taken in the event a U.S. Government Shutdown that prevents access to funds through the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) System. The plan ensures continuity of essential Land Grant operations, protects employees, and maintains compliance with federal and institutional policies until funding access is restored.

2.Scope

This plan applies to all Land Grant programs and projects administered by the College of Micronesia Land Grant Program and partner colleges (College of the Marshall Islands, Palau Community College, College of Micronesia-FSM), including:

• Cooperative Research and Extension (CRE)
• Agricultural Experiment Station (AES)
• Cooperative Extension Services (CES)
• Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

3. Key Assumptions

• ASAP system will not allow drawdowns during the federal shutdown.
• Funds previously drawn and deposited into local accounts remain accessible. (if there is)
• •Institutional reserved may be considered for temporary support, subject to Board of Regents approval.
• •Federal reporting requirements remain in effect unless explicitly suspended by USDA-NIFA.
• •Shutdown duration is unknown; plan covers both short-term and extended disruptions.

4. Plan of Action

A. Financial Management

1. Freeze Non-Essential Expenditures – Limit spending to essential activities (e.g., personnel salaries, utilities, existing contractual obligations.)
2. Cash Flow Monitoring – Central Office and Partner colleges should monitor their cash balance as reimbursement of expenditures may be delayed.
3. Prioritization of Obligations – Payments will prioritize:

• Employee salaries and benefits

• Safety- and compliance-related program activities

• Time-sensitive experiments (e.g., ongoing agricultural trials)

4. Alternative Funding Sources – Explore temporary internal bridging mechanisms (Endowment fund, Local funds/BOR funds, Matching funds where allowable)

5. Vendor/Contractor Communication – Notify contractors/vendors/Partners of potential delays in federal reimbursements and negotiate extensions where feasible.

B. Program Continuity

• Prioritization of Activities – Continue only activities that are essential to health, safety, compliance, or that prevent program disruption. Defer new projects until funding access resumes.

• Staffing – Retain core staff necessary to maintain critical services; defer overtime and non-essential travel. Defer new hiring of personnel if possible and feasible.

• Reporting – Prepare all reports on time, even if submission systems are down, to ensure readiness once federal systems are operational. (e.g. RFP required documents)

• Research Protection – Ensure that live animals, plants, and ongoing field experiments are sustained to prevent irreversible loss.

C. Communication

• Internal Communications – Provide regular updates to leadership, program directors, and staff regarding financial status and operational adjustments.
• External Communication – Maintain contact with federal grant officers and financial officials to document impact of the shutdown. (if federal grant officers are available)
• Stakeholder Notification – Inform partners, subrecipients, and beneficiaries of potential delays in reimbursements or payments or service delivery.

• Risk Mitigation
• Maintain detailed records of all expenditures and obligations incurred during the shutdown.
• Document all communications with federal agencies and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations (2 CFR 200) even during restricted funding flow.
• Develop a recovery plan for rapid resumption of ASAP drawdowns once the system is available.

• Recovery and Post-Shutdown Actions
• Resume ASAP drawdowns immediately once federal access is restored.
• Prioritize clearing backlog obligations (payroll, vendors, contractors, partners).
• Reassess program budgets and adjust schedules for postponed activities.
• Submit required financial and programmatic reports to USDA/NIFA, including documentation of shutdown-related delays.

• Approval and Implementation
• This plan shall be effective immediately upon announcement of a U.S. Government shutdown and will remain in effect until funding access with ASAP is restored. It shall be reviewed and approved by the Executive Director with coordination with the Vice Presidents for Cooperative Research and Extension.

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THE U.S Government Shut Down … At midnight on Tuesday, September 30th, the US government shutdown due to Congress’s inability to agree and approve the fy26 budget. This shutdown affects most federal agencies and employees.

COM Land-Grant Program’s Status … As a result of this shutdown, the COM LGP is unable to drawdown funds from ASAP.gov because it is closed and will remain closed until the US government reopens for normal business. This is the major issue that the program is facing at the moment. Fortunately, there are still obligated funds available in the program’s local accounts that will hopefully sustain the program’s operations for the next two months if the shutdown is prolonged for two months. To help ensure these limited funds are used effectively and efficiently, a Contingency Plan is already in place that limits expenditures to only essential activities such as personnel, utilities and ongoing contractual obligations. 

What To Expect … Delayed payments to vendors / contractors or delayed reimbursements to the program’s three partner colleges (CMI, COM-FSM and PCC) where the Cooperative Research and Extension teams and activities are administered.  

Palau, Micronesia – September 4, 2025 – The Executive Director, accompanied by the administrative staff from the COM Land Grant Program Central Office, attended the College of Micronesia Board of Regents meeting held at Palau Community College. This gathering brought together the Regents led by Chairman Emais Roberts of the Republic of Palau (ROP), Vice Chair Suzzane Gallen of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and Secretary Treasurer Minister Gerald Zakios from the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). Also in attendance were the presidents of the three partner colleges Dr. Patrick Tellei of Palau Community College (PCC), Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono of the College of Micronesia FSM (COM-FSM), and Dr. David Newnham of the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) who participated via zoom.

The agenda items for the meeting included the reviewing and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting in Pohnpei on April 22^nd, Communication – Policy and Resolutions), Endowment and Investment updates from Raymond James & Associates, FY25 Budget Report and FY26 Budget proposal, Quarterly updates from the central office and the Cooperative Research and Extension programs Vice Presidents, and a couple of Old and New Business items.

Other activities in the meeting schedule included a hosted dinner by Jason Miayashita of Raymond James & Associates on Fri Sept 5^th followed by a visit to Peleliu state on Sat Sept 6^th hosted by Peleliu Governor and Chairman of the Board of Regents Dr. Emais Roberts, PCC President and staff as well as the PCC CRE staff. The schedule concluded with a farewell dinner on Sun Sept 7^th hosted by Chairman Roberts and a close colleague & friend.

Standing from Left to Right (front row) Exec. Secretary to COMLG central Office, Lerhina L. Johnson,CMI Board of Regents, Hon. Gerald Zakios, Chairman of the Board of Regents, Dr. Emais Robert of ROP, Vice Chair of COMLG Board of Regents to the FSM, Suzann L. Gallen, President of COMFSM, Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono, Admin Assistance to the office of the president (PCC), Leilanie Miko, VP CRE to COMFSM, Steven H. Young. From Left to Right (front Row) Dr. Patrick Telley, President of PCC, Dr. Manoj Nair standing behind COMFSM President. Standing from left to Right (third row) Dr. Christopher Kitalong, Standing behind PCC President to his right, Executive Director, Stanley Lorennij, Standing behind First row, BOR Chariman, CES Director, Engly Ioanis, CMI CRE VP, Dr. Adedayao Ogunmokun, COMLG CFO, Doman Daoas, the rest are partner college VPS and Palau CRE staff and partner college staff.

The College of Micronesia’s Land Grant Program (COM LGP) recently hosted a three-day trainer’s workshop on animal health and production. The event was held at the CTEC building next to the COM- LGP office in Kolonia, Pohnpei, and brought together extension agents and other agriculture participants from Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia.

The primary objectives of the workshop were to equip selected trainers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to master artificial insemination techniques in pigs with a special focus on reproductive management and care during estrus to ensure successful breeding outcomes, safety, and sustainable practices and approaches in poultry and free ranging.

The program opened with welcoming remarks from Pohnpei chief of agriculture Mr. Kordy Carl followed by a brief opening remark from the Executive Director of COM Land Grant. Throughout the workshop, participants were fully engaged in dynamic presentations showcasing cutting-edge techniques in livestock production. The interactive training platform not only involved knowledge sharing, but actual hands-on experiences. One highlight was the trainees visit to the Madolenihmw pilot farm where live individual demonstrations of swine seamen collection and artificial insemination was conducted—an intricate process requiring specialized skills to master.

Standing from right to left (second row): COMLG Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij, Associate Director for CES Mr. Engly Ioanis, and Pohnpei State Chief of Agriculture Mr. Kordy Carl (standing behind Mr. Ioanis). Also pictured are participants from the three Micronesian regional islands, along with staff members from the COMLG Central Office

Sitting from Left to Right (front row) Dr. David Newnham, President of CMI, Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono, President of COM-FSM,Vice chair of COMLG Board of Regents to the FSM, Suzanna L. Gallen, Chairman of the Board of Regents, Dr. Emais Roberts of Palau, newly elected Board of Regents, Hon. Gerald Zakios of RMI and Dr. Patrick Telley, presidents of PCC. The rest are central office administration personnel and partner college CRE Vice Presidents and program coordinators.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on March 20, 2025, the appointment of Dr. Jaye L. Hamby as the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). As Director, Dr. Hamby will lead USDA’s efforts to advance agricultural innovation, community outreach, and fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Dr. Jaye L. Hamby, NIFA Director ( picture credit: NIFA)

News source credit : www.usda.gov; Press Release Release No. 0059.25

From Feb 24th to Feb 28th, an administrative delegation from the COM LGP central office comprised of the Executive Director, Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) Associate Director and Cooperative Extension Services (CES) Associate Director visited Kosrae state to meet with Honorable Governor Tulensa W. Palik, Director Rolner L. Joe of the Department of Resources and Economic Affairs (DREA), Director Bruno Ned of Fisheries, private clam farmer Mr. Martin Selech and the COM-FSM Kosrae campus Cooperative Research & Extension (CRE) team. The primary purpose of this visit was to discuss further and expose the COM LGP system, its specific programs, and operations to key stakeholders in the state of Kosrae, as well as build collaborative and partnership efforts to improve and maximize delivery outcomes and impacts in food security, health, and economic development in the communities as well as to conduct needs assessment.

Dr. Kay K. Soe (aquaculture researcher), Mee Mee (agriculture researcher), Kenye Killin (Kosrae CRE Coordinator) Back L-R: Dr. Manoj Nair (AES Associate Director), Engly Ioanis (CES Associate Director), Stanley Lorennij (Executive Director) and the Honorable Governor Tulensa W. Palik.

On January 2, 2025, Hon. Gerald Zackios has been sworn as the RMI Minster of Education replacing current RMI Education Minister, Hon. Joe Bejang. As RMI Minster of Education, Hon. Minster, Gerald Zackios automatcially becomes the RMI representative of the College of Micronesia Land Grant Board and will serve as the Board Tressurer / Secretary. COM Land Grant Program welcomes Hon Minister Gerald Zackios.

New Cabinet Minister Hon. Gerald Zackios, left, takes the oath of office administered by RMI High Court Chief Justice Carl Ingram. Photo credit : (Marshall Islands Journal)

On December 6, 2024, the Board of Regents for the College of Micronesia Land Grant Program held its 1st quarterly meeting for FY25 in Yap State FSM, at the Early Childhood Education Center (ECE). Attending the meeting were the Executive Director and three administrative staff members from the COM Land Grant Program, along with the presidents of the three partner colleges: Palau Community College (PCC), the College of Micronesia – Federated States of Micronesia (COM-FSM), and the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) joining in virtually via zoom conference. 

Sitting front row left to right: Dr. Theresa Koroibulaono, President of COM-FSM, Dr. Emais Roberts, Chairman of the Board and Governor of Pelleieu and Vice Chair Suzanne L. Gallen. Standing behind Dr. Theresa is PCC President Dr. Patrick Tellei. The rest are central office administration, partner college CRE Vice Presidents, program coordinators, researchers, extension agents and other support staff.

The College of Micronesia’s Land Grant Program (COM LGP), in partnership with the Pohnpei State Offices of Resources and Development (R&D) and the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture (OFA), recently conducted a two-day trainer’s training on sea cucumber processing led by Mr. Masaya Miyazaki of Ama Cho, Japan, on Tue Nov 26^th and Wed Nov 27^th. The event took place at COM LGP Program hatchery facility in Nett Point. The main focus of this training was to train selected key trainers on how to process sea cucumbers, particularly the sandfish that’s being hatched by aquaculture researcher Dr. Manoj Nair and his aquaculture research team at the experimentation station at Nett Point. Ultimately after the trainers satisfactorily complete the training, they would then provide the same training in each of their communities with the goal of promoting food security, health and economic development throughout.

The 2-day training program commenced with an opening ceremony at the research station in Nett Point where Master of Ceremony R&D Director Mark Kostka called to order the event and gave his brief welcome remark by acknowledging and thanking the dignitaries including Pohnpei State Governor Stevenson Joseph along with other diplomatic representatives such as the Deputy Chief of Mission from the U.S. Embassy to the FSM, and the Ambassador of Japan to the FSM. In his opening remarks, the Governor expressed his sincerest gratitude to both the Ambassador and the Deputy Chief of Mission for their ongoing support and steadfast contributions, providing a vital role in capacity-building efforts for economic development in the Micronesian region.

Group Pictured from left to Right – Pohnpei State R&D Director, Dr. Mr. Mark Kostka, Japan Ambassador to the FSM, H.E. Mr. Nobuo Kagomiya, Mr. Masaya Miyazaki of Ama Cho, Japan, Pohnpei State Governor, Honorable Stevenson Joseph, U.S. Embassy Charge’ d’affaires, Mr. Vincent Mut-Tracy, COM LG Associate Director (AES), DR. Manoj Nair, and Administrator Jorg Anson of the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

On September 26, 2024, the College of Micronesia Land Grant Program Board of Regents conducted its 2024 4^th quarter Board meeting in Kosrae state at the COM-FSM Kosrae campus. The Executive Director, along with 3 COM Land Grant Program administrative staff, the three partner college Presidents of Palau Community College (PCC), College of Micronesia – Federated States of Micronesia (COM-FSM) and the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI), the three partner college Cooperative Research & Extension (CRE) Vice Presidents, COM-FSM’s Kosrae campus CRE Coordinator, several of COM-FSM’s CRE researchers, extension and support staff participated in the Board meeting. The core highlights of the meeting were focused on results of the previous directives from the Board meeting in Chuuk back in April, various agenda items including the approval of minutes, budget updates, policies, resolutions, investment performance and quarterly progress reports from the central office and the CRE Vice Presidents. The BOR also paid courtesy visits to the Kosrae state Governor’s and lieutenant Governor’s offices and the legislature where formalities and general discussions were held. The Board meeting concluded with a combined reception with the COM-FSM Board of Regents and the COM-FSM Kosrae campus faculty, support staff, Kosrae campus CRE personnel and honored guests including the governor and the first lady.

Group Pictured from left to Right – wearing lei’s: COMFSM President, Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono, CMI acting President, Dr. Elizabeth Swijaj, COM Land Grant Board of Regent, Dr. Emais Robert of Palau, Board of Regent, Vice Chair, Suzanne Gallen from the FSM, CRE Vice President Dr. Adedayo Akinade Ogunmokun of CMI. PCC President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei, PCC Vice President CRE, Dr. Christopher Kitalong, COMLG Central Office, Executive Directory Mr. Stanley Lorennij and Board of Regent, Minister Joe Bejang of CMI along with COMLand Grant researchers and staffs of the the three partner Colleges.

On August 15, 2024, COM Land Grant Executive Director Stanley Lorennij, accompanied by Aquaculture Chief Scientist and Director Dr. Manoj Nair along with Senior Extension Agent Engly Ioanis, paid a courtesy visit to Kolonia Town’s Mayor Honorable Kummer S. Biza at the Kolonia Townhall. 

The purpose of the visit was to reiterate proposals from the previous Kolonia Town Mayor’s administration regarding COM land grant initiatives. These included sidewalk maintenance, improvements to drainage in the current sidewalk drainage plan, and the establishment of staff parking spaces along the road adjacent to the COM land grant building. Additionally, pedestrian safety crosswalks on secondary roads leading to Dainy Street and across from the COM land grant office were also part of the discussions. 

Mayor Kummer S. Biza welcomed these proposals and tasked his Administrative Officer, Mr. Master Albert, to take the initiative in assisting the COM Land Grant with these projects. The meeting also touched on the honorable Mayor’s office’s plans for the implementation of urban farming within his jurisdiction, for which they sought support from the COM Land Grant.

Executive Director Lorennij expressed his excitement regarding this initiative, noting that food security, economic development, and health are part of the COM Land Grant’s mandate. He affirmed the organization’s readiness to partner in this effort. He further advised that grants are available for urban farming projects and that specific documents needed to be filled out for review and submission for these grants.

Pictured from left to Right: Mayor Kummer S. Biza, Sr, Extension Agent Mr. Engly Ioanis, Kolonia Town Administrative Officer Mr. Master Halbert, COM Land Grant Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij, and Chief Scientist Dr. Manoj Nair

On August 2, 2024, the COM Land Grant Executive Director  Stanley Lorennij along with Director and Aquaculture Chief Scientist Dr. Manoj Nair met with Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono, President of COM-FSM, at the National Campus in Palikir, Pohnpei, FSM.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the current status of the sea cucumber project, the hatchery facility at Nett Point, and its lease agreement with the Pohnpei Port Authority, which is due for renewal by the end of this month, as well as possibilities of a transition of the aquaculture facility and its two aquaculture technicians to the COM-FSM CRE aquaculture program in anticipation of the arrival of the new aquaculture researcher for the COM-FSM CRE aquaculture program. Dr. Koroivulaono expressed strong support for this direction and looks forward to further planning and initiations between the two institutions.  

Pictured from left to Right: Mr. Stanley Lorennij, Executive Director, Dr. Manoj Nair, Aquaculture Chief Scientist, and Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono, President of the College of Micronesia FSM, on August 2, 2024.

On July 30, 2024, Hyunjeong Lee, who is currently managing the FSM Department of Education (FSM DOE) Skills and Employability Enhancement project, paid a courtesy visit to the College of Micronesia Land Grant program Central Office in Pohnpei and met with Executive Director Stanley Lorennij and the administration team to discuss and explore potential partnership and collaboration avenues to continue developing a robust support system for the SEE project in terms of high school curriculum developments and improvements in agriculture and other CTE fields and industries, master trainers/teachers, funding, etc.  After more than an hour of discussions, the executive director and Hyunjeong Lee wrapped up the meeting in good faith and understanding. In the end, the executive director indicated that the COM LG program supports the SEE project and will provide support wherever possible.

Pictured from left to Right: Mr. Stanley Lorennij, Executive Director, Mr. Betson Ifamilik, Land Grant CITO, Mr. Engly Ioanis, Sr. Extension Agent/Program, Ms. Hyunjeong Lee, FSM DOE representative, and Lerihna Lebehn Johnson, Executive Secretary, COM/BOR on July 30, 2024.

COM Land Grant Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij, on behalf of the COM Board of Regents and the COM Central Office staff, honored retiring long-term employees at a simple retirement function at Red Snapper restaurant in Kolonia, Pohnpei, FSM, on June 7, 2024.

The two retiring COM employees are Mrs. Haraline Ramirez, Secretary to the Executive Director, and Mr. Ricardo Vera Cruz, Business Manager.

Mrs. Harline Ramirez has worked for COM for 44 years. She started in November 1980 as Clerk Typist III and was promoted to Executive Secretary to the Executive Director and the COM Board of Regents. At the end of her contract, Mrs. Harline Ramirez will retire in September 2024.

Mr. Ricardo Vera Cruz has worked for COM for 39 years as the budget Manager. He started in 1986 as the Budget Officer, and later, his position was re-classified as Budget Officer. Mr. Ricardo Vera Cruz continued in the same position until he retired in April 2024. Mr. Doman Daoas, the current CFO, has taken his place.

A simple retirement function was organized at Red Snapper restaurant to facilitate long-term service for the two retiring employees. Traditional handicrafts were used to facilitate the event, and the retirees were given a plaque containing the signed COM Board of Regents Resolution thanking them for their service.

Pictured from left to Right: Mr. Doman Daoas, CFO, COM; Mrs. Margaret Weital, EFNEP Coordinator, COM; Mr. Ricardo Vera Cruz, retired Business Manager and Mr.Stanley Lorennij, Executive Director, COM Land Grant at the retirement facilitation function in Kolonia, Pohnpei FSM, on June 7, 2024.

Pictured from left to Right: Mr. Doman Daoas, CFO, COM; Mrs. Margaret Weital, EFNEP Coordinator, COM; Mrs. Haraline Ramirez, retired Executive Secretary and Mr.Stanley Lorennij, Executive Director, COM Land Grant at the retirement facilitation function in Kolonia, Pohnpei FSM, on June 7, 2024.

A few selected pictures from the retirement function are posted below :

College of Micronesia Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij and staff thank the College of Micronesia Board of Regents for supporting the retirement function.

Dr. Cheng Sheng Lee, Director of Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture (CTSA, USDA), paid a courtesy visit to the College of Micronesia Central Office in Pohnpei on June 8, 2024. Dr Lee was on an island-hopping mission to get recent updates on the aquaculture situation in the RMI and FSM. Dr. Lee congratulated ED Stanley on his new role as the Executive Director for the COM. Dr. Lee and ED Stanley discussed different topics pertaining to aquaculture in the region. Dr. Lee explained to ED Stanley about the CTSA Programs and funding opportunities. He further invited ED Stanley to take up the vacant COM Land Grant position at the CTSA Board of Directors. ED Stanley thanked him for the offer and let Dr. Lee know that he will discuss this offer with the COM Board of Regents in their next meeting.

Executive Director Stanley, Chief Scientist and Director of COM Aquaculture Program, Dr. Manoj Nair gave an updated overview of COM Aquaculture programs in the Micronesian region while senior extension agent Engly Ioanis highlighted the need and importance of sustainable feed for livestock. Dr. Lee and ED Stanley agreed to work on a comprehensive MOU between COM and CTSA for the efficient utilization of resources between the two USDA organizations to prevent wastage and duplication of efforts.

Pictured from left to Right: Executive Director Lorennij, S, Ioanis, E, Dr. Cheng Sheng Lee and Dr. Nair meeting at the COM Central Office in Kolonia, Pohnpei FSM, on June 8, 2024.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) extramural grant funding agency for agricultural research, education, and Extension programs. A senior seven-member NIFA delegation under the leadership of Dr. Dionne Toombs, NIFA Associate Director for Programs, visited the Republic of Palau State to attend the four-day Conference on USDA NIFA Land Grant Programs for USAPI and FAS Colleges at Palau Community College (PCC) in Koror State, Republic of Palau from April 27 to May 3, 2024. A report of the same was recently posted on The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) website. A screengrab of the published news article and the link for the original article on the APLU website are given below.

Supporting the Pacific Islands’ Land-grant Universities – APLU

The conference was coordinated by a joint team from the College of Micronesia Land Grant Program under Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij and the senior leadership of PCC, including COM Board of Regent Chair Dr. Emais Roberts, PCC President Dr. Patrick Tellei and Dr. Christopher Kitalong, Vice President PCC CRE.

College of Micronesia wishes to thank Kim Scotto, Senior Associate, Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources (FANR) Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) for sharing this article.

COM Land Grant Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij and CFO Doman Daoas made a courtesy visit to Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono, President, COM-FSM, at her office in COM-FSM, National Campus in Palikir, Pohnpei, FSM on June 5, 2024.

The primary purpose of this visit was to hand over a COM check of $30,000 to further support the COM-FSM Resident Instruction. In addition, Executive Director Stanley and President Dr. Theresa discussed various topics, including upgrading education for the COM Land Grant CRE Extension Agents from AA to Bachelor and Bachelor to Masters. Dr. Theresa informed Executive Director Stanley about the proposed MOU COM-FSM, which it will soon be signing with the University of Guam to provide a Hybrid Bachelor of Agriculture Science program. Dr. Theresa further offered tailor-made classes for the CRE staff to upgrade their primary language and math skills at the CETEC Campus in Pohnpei and online for other CRE staff in other FSM States.

Pictured from left to Right: Doman Daoas, CFO, COM; Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono, President COM-FSM; and Mr. Stanley Lorennij, Executive Director, COM Land Grant. Executive Director Stanley is handing Dr. Theresa a check for the COM-FSM Resident Instruction program at the COM-FSM President’s office in Palikir, Pohnpei FSM, on June 4, 2024.

Pictured from left to Right: Mr. Stanley Lorennij, Executive Director, COM Land Grant; Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono, President COM-FSM and Doman Daoas, CFO, COM meeting at the COM-FSM President’s office in Palikir, Pohnpei FSM, on June 4, 2024.

COM Land Grant Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij met with the new Director of Pohnpei State Resources and Development, Mr. Mark Kostka, at the COM Central office on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. At the onset of the meeting, Executive Director Stanley Lorennij congratulated Director Mark Kostka on his new position as the Director of Resources and Development, Pohnpei State. The two Directors further discussed varied topics of mutual interest. Director Stanley Lorennij assured Director Mark Kostka of COM Land Grant’s full support for successfully implementing the Pohnpei State Food Security Plan developed by the Pohnpei State Department of Resources and Development. Dr. Manoj Nair, the Acting Associate Director for AES, also attended the meeting and provided Director Mark Kostka with an update on the hatchery-based Sea cucumber aquaculture efforts by COM Land Grant in Pohnpei State.

Pictured from left to Right: Mr Stanley Lorennij, Executive Director, COM; Mr. Mark Kostka, Director, Pohnpei State Department of Resources & Development at the College of Micronesia Central office May 28, 2024.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) extramural grant funding agency for agricultural research, education, and Extension programs. A senior seven-member NIFA delegation under the leadership of Dr. Dionne Toombs, NIFA Associate Director for Programs, visited the Republic of Palau State to attend the four-day Conference on USDA NIFA Land Grant Programs for USAPI and FAS Colleges at Palau Community College (PCC) in Koror State, Republic of Palau from April 27 to May 3, 2024.

In addition to the NIFA team, the four-day conference was attended by Mrs. Doreen Hauser-Lindstorm, Executive Director of the Western Extension Director’s Association (WEDA), Dr. Bret W. Hess, Executive Director of the Western Association of Agriculture Experiment Station Directors (WAAESD), Dr. Douglas Steele, VP of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and Dr. Paul Lewin, Executive Director of the Western Rural Development Center (WRDC).

Delegations from sister Land Grant Institutions in the region, namely: University of Hawaii at Manoa Cooperative Extension, Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Services, University of Guam, College of Natural & Applied Sciences, America Samoa Community College, Agriculture, Community, and Natural Resources Division. Representatives of the College of Micronesia-FSM and the College of the Marshall Islands also participated in the conference.

The conference’s main focus was highlighting the College of Micronesia Land Grant program activities through the cooperating partner colleges and the impacts of those regional programs. Furthermore, the NIFA team and others from relevant agencies were made aware of the issues and challenges faced by the College of Micronesia Land Grant programs in the Micronesia region.

The conference was coordinated by a joint team from the College of Micronesia Land Grant Program under Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij and the senior leadership of PCC, including COM Board of Regent Chair Dr. Emais Roberts, PCC President Dr. Patrick Tellei and Dr. Christopher Kitalong, Vice President PCC CRE.

Pictured from left to Right: Dr. Brent Elrod, Senior Programs Officer, Office of the Director, NIFA; Alexis Nazario-Negron, NIFA Director of Planning, Accountability and Reporting; Kellyann Jones, NIFA Program leader, Institute of Youth, Family, and Community; Dr. Dionne Toombs, NIFA Associate Director for Programs; Dr. Suzanne Stluka, Deputy Director Institute of Food Safety & Nutrition (IFSN); Elizabeth Kerling, NIFA Senior Grants Management Specialist, Award Management Divison, posing in front of Palau Community College in Koror, Republic of Palau.

A group photo was taken on Day 1 at the conference on USDA NIFA Land Grant Programs for USAPI and FAS Colleges at Palau Community College (PCC) on April 29, 2024.

Execitive Director adressing the gathering on Day 2 at the conference on USDA NIFA Land Grant Programs for USAPI and FAS Colleges at Palau Community College (PCC) on April 29, 2024.

COM Executive Director Stanley Lorennij chairing a meeting with representatives of the Colleges in the region. From the right to the left of Director Stanley; Dr. Aufa I Apulu Ropeti Areta, Director of Programs at Amercian Samoa Community College, Agriculture Community and Natural Resources Division; Dr. Jeremy Elliot-Engel, Associate Dean & Associated Director, CES, University of Hawaii at Manoa Cooperative Extension, Dr. Rachael Leon Guerrero, Dean University of Guam CNAS, Dr. Adedayo Ogunmokun, VP, CMI-CRE; Steven Young Uhk, VP, COM-FSM-CRE; Mrs. Patricia Coleman Interim Dean Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension & Education Services and Dr. Christopher Kitalong, VP, PCC -CRE on Day 2 at the conference on USDA NIFA Land Grant Programs for USAPI and FAS Colleges at Palau Community College (PCC) on April 30, 2024.

From the left; Dr. Murukesan Krishnapillai, Agriculture Research Scientist, COM-FSM, Yap CRE with Mr. Mark Googag, COM-FSm Yap-CRE Coordinatior working on a group activity related to Yap at the conference on USDA NIFA Land Grant Programs for USAPI and FAS Colleges at Palau Community College (PCC) on Day-4, May 2, 2024.

From the left : Dr. Manoj R. Nair Acting Associate AES Director & Aquaculture Research Scientist, COM; Doman Daoas, CFO,COM (sitting); Steven Young Uhk, VP, COM-FSM CRE; Trisden Elias COM-FSM Pohnpei CRE Coordinator and Engly Ioanis, Acting Associate CES Director & Livestock Specialist, COM (sitting) working on a group activity related to Yap at the conference on USDA NIFA Land Grant Programs for USAPI and FAS Colleges at Palau Community College (PCC) on Day -4 , May 2, 2024.

A group photo of the COM-FSM CRE 4 State coordinators explaining their work on trditional foods and medicines in Micronesia to the Conference representatives . From left to right : Mark Googag, COM-FSM Yap CRE Coordinator; Kalvin Assito, COM-FSM Chukk CRE Coordinator; Trisden Elias, COM-FSM Pohnpei CRE Coordinator and Mrs. Kenye Killin, COM-FSM Kosrae CRE Coordinator, taken on Day 4 of conference on USDA NIFA Land Grant Programs for USAPI and FAS Colleges at Palau Community College (PCC) on May 2, 2024. On the far right, MC of the Conference, PCC CRE Agriculture Research Aide, Emengel Singich is seen taking pictures.

A photo of the CMI CRE Senior Extension Agent Lajikit Rufus explaining the work on trditional foods and medicines in Marshall Islands to the Conference representatives taken on Day 4 of conference on USDA NIFA Land Grant Programs for USAPI and FAS Colleges at Palau Community College (PCC) on May 2, 2024.

A photo of the PCC CRE Agriculture Research Aide, Emengel Singich explaining the work on trditional foods and medicines in Marshall Islands to the Conference representatives taken on Day 4 of conference on USDA NIFA Land Grant Programs for USAPI and FAS Colleges at Palau Community College (PCC) on May 2, 2024.

Dr Chris Kitalong , V.P. PCC-CRE and McKinght McArthur Field Assistant, Agriculture, PCC -CRE explaining to the group the data collection methodology of soil probes set up at a farm site in Koror, Palau on May 2, 2024

Dr Patrick Tellei, President PCC explaining to the group about Palau traditional house construction and the significance of their traditional design in Koror, Palau on May 2, 2024.

Mr Bachat Arsenio (foreground in green tee) from the Koror State Solid Waste Management Office explaining the recycle efforts at Koror State to the Conference representatives during the field trip on Day 4 of conference on USDA NIFA Land Grant Programs for USAPI and FAS Colleges at Palau Community College (PCC) on May 2, 2024.

A group photo of the support team from PCC and PCC-CRE led by PCC-CRE Senior Agent Elchung Hideyos who helped in the smooth conduct of the Conference.

On the sidelines of the Conference on USDA NIFA Land Grant Programs for USAPI and FAS Colleges at Palau Community College (PCC), COM Land Grant Executive Director Stanley Lorennij met with Dr. Rachael Leon Guerrero, the new Dean for the University of Guam, College of Natural & Applied Sciences.

Dr. Guerrero, who was earlier the EFNEP Coordinator, just replaced Dr. Lee Yudin, the long-time Dean of the Land Grant Program at the University of Guam. Mrs. Margaret Weital, College of Micronesia Land Grant EFNEP Coordinator, attended the meeting.

Pictured from left to Right: Mr Stanley Lorennij, Executive Director, COM; Margaret Weital, EFNEP Coordinator; and Dr. Rachael Leon Guerrero, Dean, University of Guam, College of Natural & Applied Sciences on Day 2 at the conference on USDA NIFA Land Grant Programs for USAPI and FAS Colleges at Palau Community College (PCC), May 1, 2024.

College of Micronesia Board of Regents, Partner College Presidents, VPs, and COM Central office Staff under the leadership of COM Land Grant Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij met at Chuuk State in the Federated States of Micronesia for the COM Board meeting from April 17-18, 2024.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the COM Land Grant Board of Regents members, the COM Land Grant Management team members, and COM Central office staff had a chance to visit the Korea-South Pacific Ocean Research Center (KSORC) facility in Chuuk. The Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI) established the Korea-South Pacific Ocean Research Center (KSORC) at Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia, in 2000, with their main focus being Tropical ocean research and breeding technology in Chuuk.

Pictured from left to Right: Dr. Christopher Kitalong, VP CRE PCC; Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono, President COM-FSM; Dr. Elizabeth Switaj, Acting President CMI; Mrs. Suzanne Gallen, COM Board of Regent Vice-chair; Dr. Adedayao Ogunmokun VP, CMI CRE; Dr Emais Roberts, Chairman COM Board of Regents; COM Board of Regents, Mrs. Kathryn Relang, Secretary, COM Board of Regents; Dr. Patrick Tellei, PCC President; Mr. Kalvin Assito, COM-FSM CRE Chuuk Coordinator; Mr. Steven Young Uhk, VP, COM-FSM, CRE; and Mrs. Haraline Ramirez, COM Land Grant Executive Secretary, at Korea-South Pacific Ocean Research Center (KSORC) facility in Chuuk.

Korea-South Pacific Ocean Research Center (KSORC) staff explaining their research to the visiting team at the KSORC research facility in Chuuk.