Fostering Health, Prosperity and Sustainability
What we do
The IHA aims to improve human health through innovations in agriculture, nutrition and food systems.
Our research bridges disciplines to solve complex challenges surrounding food production and health. We develop guidance, programs, practices and policies to foster well-being for current and future generations.
IHA research creates healthier communities. It builds a more sustainable environment for food production. It helps food producers thrive.
Diet-related chronic diseases on the rise
More than half of American adults battle chronic health conditions because of the types of food they eat. 42% of Americans have two or more major chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, hypertension, obesity, cancer or diabetes. The prevalence of these conditions has increased steadily over the past 20 years.
Cardiovascular disease
48.6% of all adults in the U.S.—127.9 million—have cardiovascular disease. It is the nation’s #1 cause of death.
Hypertension
An estimated 47% of U.S. adults (122.4 million people) have hypertension.
Diabetes
Half of American adults suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes.
- 14.7% (38.1 million) have diabetes.
- 38% (97.6 million) have prediabetes.
Obesity
More than 71% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese.
High cholesterol
About 48% of U.S. adults aged 65 and older have been diagnosed with cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL.
“The past three decades have seen unprecedented increases in the incidence of diet-related chronic diseases and their associated impact on health care costs….”
Source: “Bailey, R.L., & Stover, P.J. (2023, August 21). Precision nutrition: The hype is exceeding the science and evidentiary standards needed to to inform public health recommendations for prevention of chronic disease. Annual review of nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11015823
Why agriculture is the solution
Food is key to the prevention and management of many chronic diseases. Complex factors—environmental, economic, and social/cultural—influence the menu of foods we eat.
These factors underlie food production and influence food quality. They determine availability of nutritious food in various communities. They drive consumers’ food choices. They have much to do with our nation’s current state of human health.
For example, environmental stewardship is critical to the quality and safety of the food supply. Agricultural methods that strategically manage environmental concerns have a downstream effect on the food we eat. Indirectly, they enable us to address diet-related chronic diseases.
By making agricultural considerations central to our battle against such diseases, the IHA takes a quantum leap forward in reducing their toll.
Responsive agriculture
At the heart of our efforts is the concept of responsive agriculture. This concept envisions an agricultural system and food environment that work synergistically to support health through nutrition.
Responsive agriculture ensures that the network of food producers is economically robust. It promotes practices that are environmentally sustainable—eco-friendly guardrails that secure the food production system for future generations.
What the IHA aims to achieve
- Reduce diet-related chronic diseases.
- Lower health care costs.
- Increase nutrition security.
- Eliminate diet-related health inequities.
- Transform agricultural ecosystems and the ag-food value chain to ensure economic viability and environmental sustainability.
Research initiatives
IHA research spans three disciplines:
Our collaborative research model gives scholars from each discipline a seat at the table. Research not only occurs within each disciplinary hub, but across them as well. By uniting diverse ideas and perspectives, we craft comprehensive solutions to health problems.
USDA-ARS partnership
The Institute partners with the USDA-ARS Responsive Agricultural Food Systems Research Unit. USDA-ARS partners contribute invaluable expertise in big data, state-of-the-art sensors, and computational systems. They strengthen our work in responsive agriculture, precision nutrition, and behavioral research.
Policy guidance
IHA experts provide scientific insights to legislative leaders. Their guidance spans a range of topics, among them:
- federal food assistance programs
- dietary guidance
- agriculture/food systems
By informing policy development, the IHA improves the health of countless communities.
Research that leads the way
At the IHA, our innovative work by leading scientists is uncovering new innovations, improving healthy and sustainable food systems and empowering our Texas communities to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Explore our current projects.
