The United States is a world leader in agricultural research and extension. In 1914, the Smith-Lever Act was established to fund cooperative extension activities and take advantage of the growing agricultural periodical base. It also promoted the work of researchers and extension specialists. Accessibility to extension and university personnel is just as important today.
Biotechnology is a driving force of change.
Agriculturalists need credible resources to help them in crisis situations. The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service site directs agriculturalists to researchers, educators and extension program designers and implementers. The site makes mention that most rural disasters seem to originate with changes in agricultural markets, extreme conditions in nature, and disasters caused by human behavior.