NYSACAA
June 7, 2000 ASI Discussion
Warren Hall
Notes

Extension Faculty and Field Staff Gather to Hear Perspectives on Positioning Extension for the Future Renewing our Commitment to New York Agriculture was the theme of a meeting hosted by the New York State Agricultural Agents Association on Wednesday, June 7 at Cornell. The objectives of the meeting were to understand the external and internal expectations of agricultural research and extension programming and to identify strategies to strengthen the partnership between CALS and CCE with the Agricultural industry.

Presenters included Nathan Rudgers, Commissioner of Agriculture, George Lamont, fruit grower and member of the Council of Agricultural Organizations, retiring Dean Daryl Lund and Extension Director Merrill Ewert. Approximately 100 field staff and faculty members attended the meeting to hear about the challenges we face as a system in meeting the expectations of the agriculture industry, elected officials, and our partners serving agriculture.

Commissioner Rudgers outlined some of the Grow NY initiatives for which the Department of Agriculture and Markets has received funding which focus on developing agriculture. To aid his department in communicating agriculture's importance and impact, Cornell will undertake a study that provides impact measures. In communicating the impact of the Extension system, additional information is needed as well. Questions were raised about the case that needs to be made in terms of additional investments in extension and research as outlined in the Agricultural Initiative. An underlying concern is whether the investment of a significant amount of dollars in the Agricultural Initiative will have a direct impact on making agriculture viable. The audience was asked to consider the case to be made in supporting the initiative. Our constituents who feel they have been positively impacted by research and extension need to be involved in helping to make the case.

Additionally, new models for program delivery need to be developed that link research and extension in delivering more relevant, cutting-edge programs. A common theme being heard is that the system (research and extension) needs to be accessible, responsible and accountable and offer quality programs. Partnerships are key to moving ahead in addressing this challenge.

George Lamont, CAO board member, has been active in the effort to secure funding for the Agricultural Initiative. In his honest, open comments he described the perception common among politicians and constituents that Cornell is a "black hole" and that extension programs at the county level are not "up to par" in addressing the needs of the industry. This view offers additional challenges when making a case for increased funding. Again, the question is raised, will additional support result in a more viable agricultural industry. CALS and CCE will have to prove we can respond and reform in order to address the challenges. The words accessible, competent, accountable and responsible were reinforced.

The needs for technical expertise across the spectrum of farm business sizes and types was mentioned by the Commissioner, "in order to Grow NY agriculture needs to become just as viable on 5 acres as on 500 acres". George stated that "the top 10% of our producers need access to cutting edge information that will help them remain competitive", and that smaller farms need the same level of expertise but need it interpreted in an appropriate way.

Dean Lund reported on the need for accountability on how money is spent for research in support of NY agriculture. The importance of making a difference was restated. Challenges at the college have resulted from the loss of over 100 faculty position in the past 20 years and the challenge of valuing extension work in the tenure process. In order to gain additional support, we need to be more relevant and effective in carrying out programs, and we need to demonstrate our commitment to make strategic changes that address industry needs.

Director Ewert reinforced the need to "raise the bar" on extension agriculture program and assure our part in helping agriculture remain viable as an industry. County funding to associations has been increasing in part due to innovative grant funded projects. However, salaries in some counties are still lacking resulting in inconsistent competencies in interpreting research and delivery skills. Other ways in which we need to "raise the bar" are through use of information technologies, a higher level of accountability, and through a commitment to ongoing learning. While there are challenges, our collective commitment to address them is steadfast as is our commitment to agriculture programming that helps maintain a viable agriculture industry.

Participants who attended the meeting and were not able to raise questions or make comments due to lack of time, are invited to send comments and questions to Ed Harwood, Associate Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension, ehh3@cornell.edu or Monika Roth, President, NYS Agriculture Agents Association, mr55@cornell.edu. A more detailed transcript of the meeting will be available in July.

Meeting summary provided by Monika Roth, June 9, 2000