Goal/Priority
Explanations
NCRA CROSSCUTTING
RESEARCH AREAS AND OBJECTIVES
(http://www.wisc.edu/ncra/regionalmanual.htm#AppendixA1)
(Priorities
are listed from highest priority to lowest per objective)
i. Agricultural Production, Processing and Distribution
Priority Research Objectives:
- Develop
alternative agricultural production systems to enhance economic
competitiveness in the rural landscape.
- Develop
improved animal, plant and microbial production, processing and marketing
systems that are competitive, profitable and environmentally sound over
the long term.
- Develop
alternative systems for storage, processing and application of waste
products to the land so as to efficiently preserve and utilize nutrients.
- Design
economically and environmentally sound methods to convert biomass and
secondary products into food and nonfood uses.
- Construct
an information base and methodologies to help form sound public policy
that minimizes conflicts resulting from divergent viewpoints of citizens,
both urban and rural.
- Assemble
and maintain regional, national and international data bases on production
systems and use them for modeling and decision support.
ii. Genetic Resources Development and Manipulation (Genomics and
Germplasm)
Priority Research Objectives:
- Develop
new genotypes that increase product value, enhance global competitiveness,
improve human nutrition, nurture environmental quality and foster rural
development, i.e., new animal/crop/microbial products, alternatives to
fossil fuels and value added commodities, added or altered chemical
fractions in foods and pest resistant strains that reduce use of
agricultural chemicals.
- Broaden
and enrich the knowledge base about genomics. Includes the utilization of
molecular techniques (gene mapping, est sequencing,
functional genomics, etc.) to characterize, mediate, manage and evaluate
germplasm, as well as the bioinformatics, the development of data bases
and computerized management systems to store and transfer knowledge.
- Collect,
preserve, share, enhance and evaluate germplasm at the molecular, cellular
and/or organismal levels.
- Develop
strategies that broaden the genetic base and reduce genetic vulnerability
(i.e., maintaining genetic diversity).
- Develop
increased knowledge of the interactions and interrelationships of the
various life forms.
iii. Integrated Pest Management
Priority Research Objectives:
- Develop
alternative controls based on biological control and cultural practices.
- Investigate
the genetics of pests and hosts to identify new and different
vulnerabilities that can be exploited in pest control strategies.
- Develop
and evaluate systems and technology for IPM implementation.
- Refine
and develop rapid and positive pest detection and identification
techniques to enhance the capability to predict the occurrence and
magnitude of pest populations/infestations/infection.
- Reduce
reliance on pesticides and the risk of human, animal and environmental
exposure to pesticides.
- Identify
the economic and social impact of IPM on users, the environment, human
health and safety and public appearance of food.
iv. Natural Resources and the Environment
Priority Research Objectives:
- Understand
the ecological processes of operating in human, plant and animal
communities.
- Develop
methodology to measure and model air, water and soil quality.
- Identify
and apply ecosystem management principles and practices for the
utilization and protection of resources, restoration of natural systems
and management of rural landscapes.
- Define
sustainable principles for resource management, utilization and land use.
- Assess
the relationship of agricultural/forestry practices (primary production)
upon soil and water systems and biodiversity.
- Understand
and identify factors that influence the ecological relationships among
production agriculture, wildlife management and human health.
- Develop
remediation systems to reduce agricultural, non-agricultural and chemical
waste contamination of soil, water and air.
- Develop
guidelines for optimal economic, social and environmental management of
non cropped farm and natural ecosystems and for restoration of damaged
ecosystems.
- Assess
the implications of alternative public policies and management practices
on our natural resource base/environment within an economic framework.
- Document
the link between animal welfare/behavior, care and management and their
environment.
v. Economic Development and Policy
Priority Research Objectives:
- Develop
profitable technologies and systems. Determine the potential profitability
of production, processing and distribution technologies (innovations,
i.e., agricultural information, technology, precision agriculture) that
are environmentally sound and socially acceptable.
- Enhance
U.S. global competitiveness. Enhance international
market development by analyzing factors including the increasing adoption
of agricultural biotechnology that determine U.S. competitiveness in global markets and analyze
alternative policies to modify these factors to the advantage of U.S. agriculture.
- Create
new management decision-making models. Design optimal management systems
for cropping systems, forest systems, non-cropped ecosystems, animal
systems, whole farm and watershed systems, fishery and wildlife and data
needs of agricultural businesses, research organizations and consumer
groups.
- Improve
community and rural economic development, including home-based business
and small businesses. Design strategies to develop social and human
capital.
- Improve
domestic market development potential including assessments of the role of
alliances, cooperatives and partnerships. Determine the potential within
traditional and emerging markets for U.S. food and fiber products and develop policy
options to enhance this potential.
- Determine
rural and urban interface issues and compatibility. Determine non-market
valuation of landscapes, wildlife, trees, etc.
- Measure
and assess structural change and industrialization of agriculture.
- Interpret
and evaluate North Central regional implications of public policy.
- Develop
improved systems for rural economic development which include
leisure/tourism of agricultural enterprise.
vi. Social Change and Development
Priority Research Objectives:
- Improve
communities by assessing support services for citizens in education,
health, job creation, housing, recreational opportunities, communication,
conflict resolutions and other avenues needed to ensure rural vitality.
- Extend
communication strategies and technologies that insure opportunities for
lifelong learning among all rural and urban residents.
- Determine
barriers to use of appropriate technologies and increase the adoption of
environmentally, socially and sustainable agricultural and community
practices; evaluate social impacts of technological changes on rural
residents.
- Identify
factors affecting consumer demand for items that would improve human well
being, i.e., food choices, nutritional status, housing, support services,
health, recreational opportunities, education and quality of life.
- Enhance
civic participation in governance structures by increasing contributions
from diverse stakeholders in the assessment of social and economic
opportunities in organizations and communities.
- Establish
new linkages among key interest groups, including those representing
family businesses, agricultural and commodity organizations, counties and
communities and broad social interests.
- Design
successful family survival and adaptability strategies: enhance an
understanding of the differences across families in managing stressful
events.
vii. Food and Nutrition
Priority Research Objectives:
- Emphasize
research that expands our understanding of the relationship between diet,
health and disease prevention with particular focus on antioxidants,
dietary lipids, functional foods/nutriceuticals, nutrient bioavailability,
nutrient regulation of gene expression and nutrition and physical
activity.
- Develop
new and improved methods and technologies for processing, handling and
storage of foods and food ingredients to provide a safe, nutritious,
affordable and environmentally sound and consumer acceptable food supply.
- Enhance
food safety by expanding research efforts to identify and control food
borne pathogens at all stages of the food system from producer to consumer
and to develop and evaluate effective food safety programs for both
producers and consumers.
- Elucidate
unique aspects of food components including mechanical, structural and
functional properties of foods or food systems to enhance processing,
storage, food safety and nutritional quality of foods.
- Elucidate
health benefits associated with functional or phytochemical properties of
food constituents.
- Design
effective nutrition education programs and delivery methods that modify
human behavior such that individuals including those most at risk
(pregnant women, infants, adolescents and the elderly) choose healthier
diets.
(http://www.escop.msstate.edu/roadmap2.pdf)
Challenge 1. We can develop new
and more competitive crop products and new uses for diverse crops and novel
plant species.
Improving crop
biomass quantities, qualities, and agricultural production efficiencies;
Conceiving new
markets for new plant products and new uses for these crops;
Developing
technologies to improve the processing efficiency of crop bioproducts (e.g.,
biofuels, pharmaceuticals, functional foods); and,
Supporting the
development of marketing infrastructure for crop bioproducts.
Challenge 2. We can develop new
products and new uses for animals.
Improving
conventional technologies as well as developing new technologies to improve the
efficiency of animal production;
Enhancing the
value of food and other animal products for both the producer and consumer by
using conventional and newly developed technologies that are socially and
ethically acceptable;
Developing
innovative technologies to reduce the impact of animal agriculture on the
environment; and,
Developing new
and enhanced technologies for improved efficiency and welfare of animals that
are processed for food.
Challenge 3. We can lessen the
risks of local and global climatic change on food, fiber, and fuel production.
Diminishing the
rate of long-term global climatic change by increasing the storage of carbon
and nitrogen in soil, plants, and plant products;
Minimizing the
effects of long-term global climatic changes on production of crops and
livestock;
Integrating
long-term weather forecasting, market infrastructures, and cropping, and
livestock management systems to rapidly optimize domestic food, fiber, and fuel
production in response to global climatic changes; and,
Creating
broad-based, comprehensive models to assess the socioeconomic impacts, risks,
and opportunities associated with global climate change and extreme climate
events on agriculture.
Challenge 4. We can provide the
information and knowledge needed to further improve environmental stewardship.
Developing better
methods to protect the environment both on and beyond the farm from any
negative impacts of agriculture through optimum use of cropping systems
including agroforestry, phytoremediation, and site-specific management;
Decreasing our dependence
on chemicals with harmful effects to people and the environment by optimizing
their use in effective crop, weed, pest, and pathogen management strategies;
Finding
alternative uses for the wastes generated by agriculture; and,
Developing better
economic models and incentives to assure that environmental stewardship is
encouraged.
Challenge 5. We can improve the
economic return to agricultural producers.
Designing
improved decision support systems for risk-based management farming (giving full
consideration to small-, medium- and large-scale enterprises);
Developing
sustainable production systems that are profitable and
protective of the environment, including ways to optimize the integration of
crop and livestock production systems;
Developing better
understanding of how local, regional, national, and global food economies
affect the economic return to agricultural producers in the United States; and,
Finding ways to
improve strategies for community-supported food production systems.
Challenge 6. We can strengthen our
communities and families.
Enhancing the
problem-solving capacities of rural communities through leadership development;
Stimulating
entrepreneurship and business development in rural communities and new forms of
economic activity built around regional trade associations, rural cooperatives,
and local production networks;
Building
coalitions among environmental, labor, and community development groups to
facilitate democratic social change to ensure that families have access to
food, health care, education, and welfare services; and,
Determining
strategies to enhance the well-being of families and individuals.
Challenge 7. We can ensure
improved food safety and health through agricultural and food systems.
Improving the
nutritional value of foods;
Developing
technologies to create health-promoting foods;
Discovering
better educational methods to help individuals make informed food choices; and,
Eliminating
food-borne illnesses.
(http://www.reeusda.gov/ree/strategic_plan.htm)
I. An
Agricultural System That is Highly Competitive in the Global Economy
Strategic Objectives:
- Facilitate
informed decisions by agricultural producers, policy officials, and other
decision makers by developing and sharing knowledge promoting agricultural
production and marketing.
- Expand
the knowledge base leading to improvements in productivity and
marketability, development of new and enhanced commercial products, and
expansion of foreign and domestic market opportunities.
- Ensure
the long-term economic viability and sustainability of production
agriculture as it makes the transition from Federal subsidies to world
market orientation.
- Strengthen
and coordinate the capabilities of the REE agencies to enable joint action
and rapid response to emerging issues and problems in a global context.
II. A Safe and Secure Food and Fiber
System
Strategic Objectives:
- Reduce
the impact of threats to agricultural production by expanding the
knowledge base needed to rapidly and effectively manage pests, disease,
and natural disasters.
- Improve
food safety by developing efficient and reliable monitoring and testing
methods to support Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and
other innovative approaches to food handling and processing.
- Promote
effective and efficient implementation of food safety policies through
research on the economic and socioeconomic impacts of these policies on
food production, food processing and the consumer sectors.
- Conduct
research and adaptive studies to develop integrated production management
systems that incorporate HACCP or ISO 9000 Standards and ensure meeting
sanitary and phytosanitary requirements of the global market.
III. Healthy, Well-Nourished Children,
Youth and Families
Strategic Objectives:
- Reduce
disease prevalence and enhance quality of life by defining the
relationship between diet, inheritance, and lifestyle and the risk of
chronic diseases, acute infections, and immune disorders.
- Improve
the scientific basis for more effective Federal food assistance programs
by better defining nutrient requirements and monitoring food and nutrient
consumption; identifying socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental forces
that influence eating habits; analyzing the effect of nutrition
information on food choices and diets; and analyzing alternative policies
and programs to assist less advantaged citizens in achieving a healthy
diet.
- Generate
a more nutritious food supply by conducting research to modify the
health-promoting properties of plant and animal foods.
- Enhance
public understanding of diet's role in lifelong health through nutrition
education.
IV. Greater Harmony Between Agriculture and the
Environment
Strategic Objectives:
- Promote sustainable agricultural production and enhance
environmental quality by enabling producers to use cost-effective,
environmentally friendly production practices and systems.
- Ensure that policymakers and program managers have timely,
objective data and analysis on the efficacy, efficiency, and equity
aspects of alternative agricultural, resource, and environmental policies
and programs.
V. Enhanced Economic Opportunity and Quality of Life
for Citizens and Communities
Strategic Objectives:
- Promote
the effectiveness of rural policies and programs by (a) enhancing
understanding of the conditions that promote economic opportunities, and
(b) identify rural needs.
- Promote
new businesses and growth in existing businesses, including farms and
ranches, by transferring knowledge and technologies developed by or in
partnership with REE agencies to private sector entrepreneurs.
- Enhance
economic opportunity and well-being including the well-being of at-risk
children, youth, and families through promoting the use of knowledge by
public and private decision makers.
(http://www.usda.gov/ocfo/sp2002/sp2002.pdf)
A. Enhance economic opportunities for agricultural producers
Objective 1.1: Expand International Marketing Opportunities
Objective 1.2: Support International Economic Development and Trade Capacity Building
Objective 1.3: Expand Alternative Markets for Agricultural Products
and Activities
Objective 1.4: Provide Risk Management and Financial Tools to
Farmers and Ranchers
B. Support increased economic opportunities and improved quality of life in
rural America.
Objective 2.1: Expand Economic Opportunities Through
USDA Financing of Businesses
Objective 2.2: Improve the Quality of Life Through
USDA Financing of Quality Housing, Modern Utilities, and Needed Community
Facilities
C. Enhance protection and safety of the nations agriculture and food
supply.
Objective 3.1: Reduce the Incidence of Foodborne Illnesses Related
to Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products in the U.S.
Objective 3.2: Reduce the Number and Severity of Agricultural Pest
and Disease Outbreaks
D. Improve the nations nutrition and health.
Objective 4.1: Improve Access to Nutritious Food
Objective 4.2: Promote Healthier Eating Habits and Lifestyles
Objective 4.3: Improve Food Program Management and Customer Service
E. Protect and enhance the nations natural resource base and environment.
Objective 5.1: Implement the Presidents Healthy Forest Initiative
and Other Actions to Improve Management of Public Lands
Objective 5.2: Improve Management of Private Lands