2023 Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results

Executive Summary

Overview

Faculty of the College of Agricultural Sciences use interdisciplinary research and extension programs to address food security, human health, environmental protection, renewable energy, and community resilience. The College supports Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station and Penn State Extension while leveraging federal, state, university, and industry partnerships.

Research and Strategic Priorities

The College continued development of a Research and Graduate Education strategic plan and focused on agricultural sustainability, resilience, regeneration, and technology-driven solutions for agriculture and natural resources.

Critical Issue: Advancing Agricultural and Food Systems

Highlights emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, precision agriculture, remote sensing, geospatial intelligence, gene editing, and augmented reality through the Technologies for Agriculture and Living Systems initiative.

Critical Issue: Building Community Resilience and Capacity

Addresses workforce development, beginning farmer support, agricultural conservation training, Latino agricultural engagement, women in agriculture initiatives, entrepreneurship, and community resilience.

Critical Issue: Developing Biologically Based Materials and Products

Focuses on sustainable bioeconomy solutions, industry partnerships, commercialization opportunities, renewable materials, and bioproduct development through the SAFES initiative.

Critical Issue: Fostering a Positive Future for Youth, Families, and Communities

Supports farm stress awareness, mental health resources, suicide prevention, and community well-being through Extension education and outreach.

Critical Issue: Promoting Environmental Resilience

Advances climate-smart agriculture, cover crops, no-till systems, carbon management, greenhouse gas reduction, and the USDA-funded CARAT climate-smart agriculture initiative.

Critical Issue: Supporting Integrated Health Solutions

Highlights One Health programs, highly pathogenic avian influenza preparedness, biosecurity education, vector-borne disease management, food safety, and health-related research.

Merit and Scientific Peer Review Process

AES and Penn State Extension programs undergo internal and external peer review through faculty review panels, Multistate Research Project reviews, stakeholder advisory groups, and multidisciplinary State Extension Teams.

Stakeholder Input

Actions to Encourage Stakeholder Participation

The College uses advisory groups, surveys, focus groups, listening sessions, social media engagement, needs assessments, and program evaluations to gather stakeholder feedback.

Methods to Identify Stakeholders

Penn State Ag Council, industry representatives, government partners, alumni networks, and statewide audiences help identify and engage stakeholders.

Methods for Collecting Stakeholder Input

Extension program evaluations, stakeholder needs assessments, meetings, surveys, and outreach activities are used to collect input.

How Input Is Used

Stakeholder feedback informs program development, Extension planning, research priorities, and strategic direction.

Highlighted Results by Project or Program

The report highlights accomplishments across dairy profitability, livestock production, tree fruit sustainability, leadership and community vitality, 4-H youth development, water programming, food safety, vector-borne disease programs, environmental resilience, and integrated health solutions.

Appendix

Research Projects, Extension Programs, and Other Projects/Programs are cataloged in the report appendix.