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Meeting the challenges to agricultural research and extension

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Richard Sauer
Affiliation:
President and Chief Executive Officer, National 4-H Council, 7100 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.
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Abstract

The public agricultural research and extension system has provided the foundation for great improvements in U.S. agricultural production. However, our incomparable productivity has brought with it serious problems. These problems have also led to a rapidly changing perception about both agricultural scientists and today's conventional agriculture. Critics are placing high on the agenda of the agricultural research and extension establishment the need for alternative technologies that are more sustainable and less exploitative of our resources. The growing demand for alternative systems offers challenges for every part of the establishment-research and extension administrators, branch station/research center directors, and faculty. These challenges and how they should be met are discussed. Alternative systems will become the conventional agriculture of tomorrow.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1990

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