Seeking a Mature Relationship with Agriculture

Key Points

• The objective is to explore how commercial agriculture can better engage with its own research and extension services, beyond public funding.
• Analyzed historical perspectives on public funding for agriculture.
• Evaluated the need for commercial farms to sponsor their research initiatives.
• Assessed public perceptions of the value of Extension services.
• Found that the public is less willing to fund Extension to compete with private entities.
• Indicated that commercial agriculture must leverage its capacity for self-sponsored research.
• Highlighted the necessity for Extension to adapt to these changing financial landscapes.