As a land grant institution, the mission of the division of agriculture is to strengthen agriculture, communities and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices

Based on broad stakeholder feedback, the division of agriculture's current strategic plan identifies five areas to focus our efforts: agricultural and forestry production and processing, natural resource conservation and management, access to safe and nutritious food, strengthening arkansas families and building communities and strengthening economies. These five emphasis areas provide local guidance for extension programs supported by federal smith-lever funding from the national institute of food and agriculture (NIFA) that align with NIFA science emphasis areas. A top priority in arkansas, and nationwide, is to ensure farm and forest enterprises are profitable and sustainable to meet the demands for safe food, fiber, and fuel. Educational programs focus on increasing productivity in a humane and sustainable manner while decreasing costs through efficient use of resources. Plant systems emphasize economics, environment, genetics and breeding, weeds, disease, pest management, SAF E handling and storage, food processing, cultural practices and soil fertility. Animal systems emphasize genetics, reproduction, economics, nutrition, waste management, physiology, environmental stress, health and animal wellbeing. Arkansas faces critical natural resource issues including groundwater decline, water quality concerns from animal manures, sediment loss from cropland and urban stormwater. We focus on unbiased science-based education to balance conservation of natural resources. We collaborate with farmers, landowners and industry to deliver innovative, sustainable programs to ensure proper conservation and management of natural resources. The availability of safe and nutritious food is vital to families and individuals in all communities. The division of agriculture works to promote healthy diets through education efforts that target chronic health conditions and encourage better consumer habits. Through policy, system and environmental (PSE) change efforts, we help consumers make better choices about what to eat to stay active and live better. We partner with local organizations and agencies to meet audiences in their communities in settings where people eat, learn, live, play, shop, and work to improve food access and nutrition security statewide. The division of agriculture also strives to enhance food safety through research and teaching best practices to all who handle food, from field to table. The mental, physical and financial well-being of families and the development of youth are essential to building prosperity for arkansans. The division of agriculture is responding to these needs by delivering research-based programs to reduce stress, improve mental health, strengthen relationships, increase financial stability and improve well-being for arkansans. 4-H clubs and youth education programs across arkansas involve young people in hands-on education and service-learning opportunities that enhance their life skills, including decision making, problem solving, critical thinking, communications and healthy lifestyle choices. Changes in the economy, technology and population are transforming how arkansans live and work. Education programs assist businesses and workers to understand their changing economic environment and effectively employ tools and resources to succeed in today's global economy. At a time when many rural areas are losing population, we partner with communities to take a proactive approach in creating a high quality of life and place where people want to live, work and visit. Programs to develop and empower effective and inclusive leaders working with engaged citizens are a critical part of these efforts.