2025-2029 Combined Research and Extension Plan of Work

Executive Summary

The College of Agricultural Sciences uses collaborative interdisciplinary research and extension programs to address food security, human health, environmental protection, renewable energy, and community resilience.

Overview

Penn State Agricultural Experiment Station and Penn State Extension serve Pennsylvania through research, education, and outreach. The FY2025 plan continues to emphasize agricultural sustainability, resilience, and innovation while the College undergoes leadership transitions and strategic planning.

Critical Issue Additional Information

Additional information for all six critical issues is incorporated into the Executive Summary.

Merit and Scientific Peer Review Process

Programs undergo internal and external peer review, including Agricultural Experiment Station reviews, Multistate Research Project reviews, stakeholder advisory input, and State Extension Team oversight.

Stakeholder Input

Stakeholder engagement is conducted through advisory groups, surveys, focus groups, industry partnerships, Penn State Ag Council participation, and Extension evaluations.

Actions to Seek Stakeholder Input

Listening sessions, targeted invitations, surveys, social media engagement, formal needs assessments, and stakeholder feedback activities encourage participation.

Methods to Identify Individuals and Groups

No significant changes were reported. Existing stakeholder networks, advisory groups, and industry partners continue to be used.

Methods for Collecting Stakeholder Input

No significant changes were reported. Penn State continues to use meetings, surveys, assessments, and outreach activities to collect stakeholder feedback.

How Input Will Be Considered

Stakeholder input informs budgeting, strategic priorities, hiring decisions, applied research, Extension programming, action plans, and program delivery methods.

Critical Issues

Advancing Agricultural and Food Systems

Focuses on crop and livestock innovation, resilient agricultural systems, resource optimization, technology adoption, workforce development, and emerging market opportunities.

Building Community Resilience and Capacity

Addresses economic resilience, workforce development, infrastructure, rural vitality, health, and community sustainability. 

Developing Biologically Based Materials and Products

Promotes bioenergy, biomaterials, agricultural byproduct utilization, commercialization, and value-added production systems.

Fostering a Positive Future for Youth, Families, and Communities

Supports youth development, nutrition, mental health, career readiness, family well-being, and community leadership.

Promoting Environmental Resilience

Focuses on ecosystem health, biodiversity, water and soil quality, invasive species management, and sustainable resource stewardship.

Supporting Integrated Health Solutions

Addresses nutrition, food safety, human and animal health, biosecurity threats, and healthcare access.

Report Status

Approved July 30, 2024. Review comments noted strong stakeholder engagement, effective peer-review processes, and continued emphasis on six strategic critical issue