With the recent establishment of the Southern
University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, we are poised to more adequately
address short-term and long-term needs of our clientele through research. The primary focus
of our research endeavor is to improve the quality of life for all Louisiana citizens. Thus,
we have embarked on a strategic partnership among individuals who generate research, the change
agents who disseminate the information, and end users. In our quest for sustained research
excellence and to keep abreast with technological change and globalism, we will rely heavily on
feedback from our stakeholders. Our research priorities will be based on their input and needs
and the demands of the scientific community and the global economy.
Agricultural profitability is of paramount
importance to the state of Louisiana because the economy remains heavily dependent on income from
production and agricultural processing enterprises. Equally important, is the meeting of society's
demands for a quality environment and improved nutritional status particularly among our underserved
and under represented clientele. Agricultural research in the Center will focus its efforts on, but
not limited to, addressing the problems confronting traditionally underserved farmers and socially
and economically disadvantaged individuals and families. We will continue to use the combined strengths
of research and extension to tackle the myriad of problems associated with agricultural production and the
health and vitality of Louisiana families and communities.
Our public institutions must be responsive to taxpayers' needs. We in the
research arm of the Center recognize this fact and are resolved to maintain our commitment to excellence
in research and outreach. Again, I want to emphasize that we are here to serve the citizens of Louisiana
and to link them to opportunities for success. With your continued support we will get the job done.
