The puerto rico agricultural extension service (PRAES) proposed activities based on six critical issues defined in the 2023-2028 POW

These include: 1. Food security, plants and animal systems; 2. Extreme weather, natural resources and environment, and sustainable energy; 3. Food safety, science and technology; 4. Community, economy, and sustainable development; 5. Family and well-being and 6. Positive youth development. Critical issue # 1 targets local animal and crop production to improve local food security. Through research and extension (R &E), the strategies for resilient agricultural production, post-harvest crop management, improved marketing efficiency and organic and agro-ecological systems will be of foremost interest. Vegetable production for fresh and export markets is being diversified, and PRAES and praexs continue evaluating disease resistant varieties and practices for the management of vectors. To strengthen the integration of extension programs, consumer family science educators (FCSED) will continue promoting among families, communities, and youth, the consumption of local foods. Through critical issue # 2 farmers will be encouraged to increase the use of sustainable agriculture practices that help in protecting our natural resources using cover crops, no-till and rotational grazing. PRAES will provide support to farmers, families and 4H members in promoting renewable energy initiatives. R & E efforts will focus on identifying successful adaptations to extreme weather events through risk exposure assessments and the implementation of agricultural biodiversity practices. Critical issue #3 will continue offering the food safety certification course to people in charge of retail food establishments, and formal education to professionals that enforce food compliance regulations. PRAES will also continue offering food safety courses such as families be food safe, which is adapted to meet the clientele's needs. Planned R & E efforts will be focused on adding value to important or emerging crops and livestock commodities. Critical issue # 4 will focus on capacity building in areas of community food systems, emergency plans, volunteer programs, and entrepreneurship. PRAES will continue collaborating with the creation of action plans for the development of economic projects that generate income and jobs, and with educational activities related to community self-management, volunteers' resiliency, and to the development of emergency and security plans for families. Critical issue # 5 will work to improve the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities with emphasis in promoting health, food and nutritional security, financial stability, and well-being in the stages of human development. Food and nutritional security will promote in the family the preparation of sufficient supplies of nutritious and safe food to face the dislocation in the supply chain, atmospheric events and other factors that affect them. Educational activities that promote financial stability will help families to better address their debts and savings to better handle current and future financial challenges, and to make strategic decisions that favor family well-being. Through critical issue # 6, safe learning spaces will be created, establishing positive contacts and opportunities for children and youth to develop skills that positively contribute to our society. We will work with youth leaders to promote emotional support systems for youth volunteer leaders, and efficient coping mechan isms before, during and after natural disasters and emergencies. Our POW will promote educational activities at communities, support youth leaders, and expand 4-H enrichment activities to help kids and youth move forward in the aftermath of natural disasters and E mergencies. Youth and adults will work and learn about health advocacy, emergency preparedness and diseases prevention, among other topics.