Arizona Cooperative Extension - Program Areas

Extension programs focus on the production of field and forage crops (cotton, grains, alfalfa, etc.), vegetable crops, fruit and nut plants. Optimal and sustained productivity is based on best management practices and an understanding of molecular, plant, microbe and insect interactions. The program emphasizes pest and disease management, adaptability, and use of plants in arid and semiarid environments.

Within program areas, reporting categories focus on specific issues, topics, crops or animal products. Working groups plan, implement, and evaluate projects and activities within the reporting category. They are led by "coordinators", which may be the State Extension Specialist or another Extension faculty member with expertise in that area.

Campus-based partners include the Departments of Plant Sciences, Entomology, Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural and Resource Economics, Office of Arid Land Studies, and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.

Outcomes

Improved production practices of plants used for food, fiber, livestock feed, industrial products, and for environmental, aesthetic, conservation and ornamental purposes, based on best cultural management practices, resulting in per acre reduction in production costs
Adoption of sustainable production practices
Adoption of new technology to reduce pesticide use and increased use of biocontrol agents
Adoption of practices to control development of resistance to pesticides
Water use efficiency increased