Strategic Plan

The College of Agriculture Strategic Plan for 1995-2000 refers to human, animal and plant life cycles and deals with physical, economic and social environments.

The following areas have top priority:

Environment and Natural Resources:

Concerns issues related to the protection, enhancement and use of our basic environmental resources of soil, air and water, and the management and use of natural resources. This includes an emphasis on sustainable use and management of natural resources and related public policy regarding environmental pollution; waste management; water conservation/reuse; possible impacts of climate change; education in the environmental sciences and engineering; and recreational aesthetic amenities. Approaches involve an integration of ecological principles in the design, planning and monitoring criteria of ecosystems management.

Marketing, Trade and Economics:

Deals with production, consumption and value of primary, intermediate and final goods, services and resources of local, national and international economies. The size and distribution of benefits and costs of alternative economic and social arrangements among affected segments of society, including agriculture and other raw product producers, agribusiness, retailers, and final consumers is a major concern. Also included are community, rural and regional economic development and economic management of natural resources and environmental amenities.

Family, Youth and Community

Focuses on research and educational programs dealing with social, economic, and psychological factors affecting individuals and families over their life spans. Programs are responsive to changing youth, family, and diverse community needs including such topics as self-sufficiency, decision making, preventive education, resource management, family stress, leadership and access to community support systems.

Human Nutrition, Food Safety and Health:

Focuses on the relationship of nutrition to health including food safety and disease prevention. Programs range from cellular and molecular research to clinical nutrition and nutrition education. The overall safety and quality of food is addressed by programs in animal and plant health, stored feed and food products, transportation, processing and consumer handling.

Plant Systems:

Addresses the production and biology of plants used for food, fiber, livestock feed, industrial products and for environmental, aesthetic and ornamental purposes. Optimal and sustained productivity is based on best cultural management practices, the molecular genetics of plants and an understanding of molecular, plant, microbe and insect interactions. Emphasis will continue on pest management, and adaptability and use of plants in arid environments.

Animal Systems:

Encompasses the contemporary methods of biology to improve productivity and increase the quality, composition and desirability of animal products, increase the use of integrated and long-term, sustainable production systems, enhance genetic diversity and biological performance, and improve the health and well-being of food and companion animals.

Document part of 1997 The Agricultural Experiment Station Today
Located at http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/general/azlp46-1/strategy.html
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