In alignment with the USDA-nifa's top research and extension priority areas, lincoln university's cooperative extension and research program conduct research and extension activities in animal…

In alignment with the USDA-nifa's top research and extension priority areas, lincoln university's cooperative extension and research program conduct research and extension activities in animal science, plant science, food safety, natural resource, social economics, human health, and youth areas that address emergent and critical issues facing missouri farms and agriculture communities. The program especially targets underrepresented, underserved, small famers and community and first-generation students. The extension and research program is currently focused on five (5) identified critical issues of sustainable agriculture, health, social justice and community development, environmental and natural resources, and education and communication with underserved populations in missouri through the integrative, innovative approach for research and extension programming. The program is launching six initiatives: organic farming, urban agriculture, industrial hemp, food safety training, and forest ecosystem, and small ruminant, in an effort to meet the critical, growing needs of the state and stakeholders. In addition, in 2022, the extension and research program has also joined the group efforts of the 1890 multistate climate change project and participated in all four project objectives focusing on 1) soil health and adoptive AG practices needs assessment and training program for socially-disadvantaged farmers; 2) water resource and climate change assessment; 3) environmental justice and equity for low-income communities; and 4) analysis of climate change policy. The LU research program continues to conduct cutting-edge, impactful food and agriculture research through multi-institution and multidisciplinary collaborations. These programs seek to effectively address urgent, emergent issues and develop sustainable solutions to the problems facing missouri's agriculture industry and rural communities as well as to strengthen the university's capacity to provide better service for the needs of missouri's small farmers, especially underserved farmers. The research program has five research focuses: 1) animal production; 2) crop and vegetable production, 3) food safety, 4) natural resource management, and 5) social economics, with an emphasis of small ruminants, aquaculture, soil health, specialty crops, organic production, food safety detection, water quality, forest health, and community development. The faculty members in the program actively pursue extramural funding to support current research and leverage resources provided by federal and state partners. The LU extension efforts aim to improve the education and economic opportunities to underrepresented populations in kansas city, ST. Louis, and central, southeast and southwest missouri. The programs will assist farmers, families, youth and the elderly as well as entire communities with underserved and underrepresented populations through following outreach activities: 1) 4-H and youth development, 2) family development, 3) community development, 4) health and aging, 5) food and nutrition, and 6) urban gardening. The paula J. Carter center on minority health and AG ING will provide programs addressing health literacy, health disparity reduction and chronic disease prevention for underserved audience with ages of fifty and over.