The mission of the southern university agricultural research and extension center (SU AG center) is to conduct statewide basic and a pplied research and to disseminate information to the citizens of…

The mission of the southern university agricultural research and extension center (SU AG center) is to conduct statewide basic and a pplied research and to disseminate information to the citizens of louisiana in a manner that is useful in addressing their scientific, technological, social, economic and cultural needs. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for the people of louisiana. In order to address the urgent needs of louisiana citizens, emphasis will be placed on the following critical areas during the period: 1. Family & community development focusing on issues affecting individuals, family's community development; disaster, epidemic and pandemic preparedness, mitigation and recovery; risk awareness; sustainable housing; emergency preparedness; 2. Food security & systems focusing on increasing the sustainability and profitability of louisiana's animal, aquaculture and plant systems and food accessibility, affordability, policy; food safety, to include seafood, raw produce, and processed commodity - safety, certification programs, farm financing and succession planning issues; 3. Natural resources & environmental sustainability focusing on conservation and preservation of natural resources, state's forestry industry, wildlife, wetland plants, water, waste management, landscapes, feedstocks, alternative biofuels, biomass processing and their effects on the environment; 4. Obesity, health & wellness focusing on increased consumption of health foods - fruits and vegetables; increasing time in physical activity; complete physical; mental and social well-being; policy, system, and environment change; and related nutrition/health/wellness issues to include epidemic and pandemic prevention; and 5. Youth development focusing on providing louisiana youth with positive development and opportunities in healthy living and stem related activities to build great leaders, healthy citizens and our next generation workforce. The problem of limited resources continued to present challenges for sustaining vital projects and programs. This limitation in funding necessitated constant review of programs to ensure that adequate manpower is allocated to address critical issues. We continue to work diligently to ensure that available resources are appropriately allocated and utilized to ensure maximum return on investment and high program impact. To meet the ever-changing needs of our stakeholders in the agriculture and natural resource communities as well as the youth and families served by our institutions, new approaches to conducting business have become the norm. Increased reliance on new technologies and tools such as social media; increased external funding and funding from local entities; increased collaboration, and trained volunteers will continue to be important as we attempt to deliver high quality programs to louisiana residents.