1890 extension. The umes extension program is focused on 4 strategic areas: 1) agriculture and food, with a focus on food security, 2) natural resources and environmental sustainability, 3) human…

1890 extension. The umes extension program is focused on 4 strategic areas: 1) agriculture and food, with a focus on food security, 2) natural resources and environmental sustainability, 3) human health and development, and 4) products to market. Umes strives to educate the next generation workforce in the food, agricultural and related sciences. While umes' extension programs address the needs of all marylanders, there is a special emphasis on serving diverse and historically underserved populations. The emphasis under each strategic area is provided below: 1) agriculture and food with a focus on food security: agriculture plays a critical role in maryland's economy and work in this area is focused under the following themes: food safety and quality; agribusiness and economic development; alternative agriculture, small-scale production, family farms and urban agriculture; specialty crops, honey bees, poultry, small ruminants and large-scale agriculture. 2) natural resources and environmental sustainability: maryland's natural resources underpin a range of economic activities such as forestry-based industries, agritourism and fisheries. They also provide the basis for supporting quality living for citizens. Therefore, the establishment of a sustainable foundation to guide the use and protectio N of these resources is a priority. Education activities focus water resources and watershed management, with a focus on both the chesapeake BAY and the maryland coastal bays. We will initiate educational programs to address wildlife management. 3) human health and development: the health, social and economic wellbeing, and resilience of communities are important issues for maryland. Youth are our future and support for their development is essential. Thus, youth development efforts will focus on 4-H programming with an emphasis on science technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics (STEAM). The nation is also facing a growing health challenge with a large proportion of the population being obese. An important program focus is the development of resilient families and communities through educational efforts in nutrition and health especially for diverse underserved families with limited resources. Educational programs on the management of disease vectors will also be developed. 4) products to market: the translation of research findings to application by industry and communities is a critical component. Activities that contribute towards this strategic area include work from our international center for personal protective equipment, food processing projects in collaboration with local ENT repreneurs and food companies, and development of materials, such as polymers and nanomaterials for food and non-food use. Climate resiliency and emerging technologies are 2 important themes that cut across the programming areas. To fulfill maryland's extension goals, umes identified 7 important critical issues. These issues are directly linked to the key strategic areas identified by escop and they link directly to USDA's priorities. These issues are the focus of umes' 2023-2027 plan of work and will direct resources to accomplish the set goals. The 7 issues are as follows: 1) food and agriculture: sustainability, competitiveness, and profitability of food and agriculture 2) climate change: adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change 3) renewable energy: energy security and the development of the bioeconomy from renewable natural resources 4) safe, secure and abundant food supply: ensuring a safe, secure and abundant food supply technological innovation and leadership to ensure a safe, secure and abundant food supply 5) human nutrition and wellness: improving human health, nutrition and wellness. 6) environmental stewardship: environmental stewardship and sustainable practices 7) family and community resiliency: strengthening individual, family and community resilience.