In keeping with the CIAS mission and mandate to build meaningful citizen involvement into our programs, we take direction from an 11-member Citizens Advisory Council. The council gives us input on our long-range and strategic plans for research on sustainable farming and rural community vitality. Council members consult with CIAS staff on our research and communications programs and keep Center staff apprised of emerging issues of importance to citizens.
Council members serve four year terms.
They and Center staff meet three times each year formally and consult throughout the year informally. Council members also serve as reviewers of Center research publications , including the Research Briefs series.