The roles of extension in agricultural economics departments

Let me succinctly restate my case. Agricultural economic departments and the profession as a whole must find ways to build public awareness and support for the things they do. Agricultural economists must create constituencies. This is particularly important as funding becomes more constrained and the cost of research in other disciplines increases. A serious commitment to responsive, research-based Extension programs is by far the best means for justifying investments in agricultural economics' programs and departments. It is clear from my perspective as an administrator that if agricultural economics departments fail to fully embrace their research-based Extension mission, they, and in turn, the larger profession, will not prosper.