Agribusiness Extension: The Past, Present, and Future?

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

International Food and Agribusiness Management Review

Volume

15

Issue

5

Publication Date

2011

First Page

125

Last Page

140

Abstract

Land Grant Universities from their inception have combined extension programs with research and teaching. This makes them unique from other universities and extension programs can have a synergistic effect on both agribusiness teaching and research programs. While being relatively young, Agribusiness Extension programs have evolved from a rich history of agricultural economics programs to meet the current needs of a changing clientele and environment. While initial emphasis in extension programming focused on the needs of farmers at the production level of the supply chain, agribusiness extension programming has reached out to involve more suppliers and buyers in support of the entire chain. This paper examines the evolution of agricultural economics into agribusiness extension programs and looks at what is currently happening with agribusiness extension programs including the linkages to research and teaching. The paper then current and predicted trends and what they might mean for agribusiness extension programs in the future. Agribusiness Extension programs have evolved into many strong programs that universities in the face of budget cuts continue to support. However, these programs face many challenges and opportunities and will need to continue to build on their success of providing answers to a changing clientele to take them into a strong future.

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