University of Florida

Extension Goals

These are the current goals of UF/IFAS Extension and the Extension Administration Office.

For additional information about the goal and focus areas and for Extension faculty and staff contact information, please visit the PDEC Hierarchy page.

Statewide Goals & Focus Areas

The following represent UF/IFAS Extension's statewide goals and focus areas for 2008 - 2012.

Goal I. Agriculture, Natural Resource and Food Systems

Enhance and maintain agricultural, natural resource, and food systems.

Focus Areas

  1. Agricultural and Natural Resource Profitability and the Sustainable Use of Environmental Resources

    Commodity Focus Areas
    Agronomic Row Crops
    Animal Sciences and Forages
    Aquaculture
    Citrus
    Forestry
    Fruits and Vegetables
    Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises
    Sugarcane and Rice

  2. Awareness of Agriculture's and Natural Resources' Importance to an Economy that Ranges from Local to Global
  3. Processing, Distribution, Safety, and Security of Food Systems
  4. Protecting Florida from Existing and Emerging Pests and Diseases
  5. Bio-energy - Sustaining and Fueling Florida

Goal II. Florida's Environment

Maintain, conserve, and enhance Florida's natural environment.

Focus Areas

  1. Water Resources
  2. Sustainable Use of Freshwater and Terestrial Ecosystems
  3. Environmental Education
  4. Sustainable Use of Coastal and Marine Ecosytems
  5. Climate Variability and Change

Goal III. Youth Development

Develop responsible and productive youth through 4-H and other youth programs.

Focus Areas

  1. Life Skills Developed in Youth through Subject Matter Experiences
  2. Organizational Strategies and Learning Environments for Youth Programs
  3. Volunteer Development and Systems to Support Youth

Goal IV. Ornamentals, Turf and Sustainable Landscapes

Create and maintain resource efficient landscapes--the smart way to grow.

Focus Areas

  1. Efficient and effective water use
  2. Sustainability and economic benefits
  3. Florida friendly landscaping and Master Gardener program
  4. Effective pest management

Goal V. Individual & Family Development

Promote individual, family, and community well-being and economic security.

Focus Areas

  1. Personal and Family Well-being
  2. Personal Financial Education
  3. Health, Nutrition, and Food Safety
  4. Sustainable Housing and Home Environment

Goal VI. Sustainable Living

Maintain, enhance, and establish sustainable communities.

Focus Areas

  1. Growth Management and Land Use Policy
  2. Citizen Engagement, Leadership, and Community Development
  3. Economic Development

Goal VII. Professional Development

Promote professional development to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Focus Areas

  1. Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation
  2. Faculty Orientation and Career Training
  3. Effective Communication and Technology Use
  4. Administration and Leadership

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