Integrating Ecology and Relating Natural Systems to Agriculture: An Increased Priority for Extension Agricultural Programming

Extension must modify its historical agricultural educational emphasis from one addressing primarily the production of food to one that addresses the production of food in a system encompassing the goals of individuals, society, and the environment. In the search to incorporate more ecological rationale into agricultural production, Extension educators should develop a deeper understanding of the nature of agroecosystems and the principles and processes by which they function. A contemporary Extension agricultural program that understands agroecology and believes in the need for a more sustainable production system will lead the way toward a more profitable and environmentally friendly agriculture.