To Improve the Quality of Life of the People of the Earth Through Improved Practices in Agriculture and Nutrition.

The Benson Institute, a nonprofit organization, is a division of the College of Biology and Agriculture at Brigham Young University (BYU). The Benson Institute was founded on September 15, 1975, in honor of Ezra Taft Benson, a great public servant who served as United States Secretary of Agriculture during the administration of President Dwight Eisenhower. Throughout his life, Ezra Taft Benson worked to help others help themselves.

Through its research and improvement efforts, the Benson Institute endeavors to increase self-sufficiency among impoverished rural families. According the Benson Institute program, university students discover ways to maximize resources in rural areas by completing nutrition and agriculture research within communities. The students then use their findings in teaching community members how to increase production. University students can thereby enrich their educational experience while simultaneously helping rural families improve their self-sufficiency.

Four directors have led Benson Institute activities since its organization. Allen C. Christensen currently directs the Institute. Luis V. Espinoza, an associate director has responsibility for South and Central America. Richard L. Brimhall, an associate director handles development, curriculum and African activities.