However, in many universities the leadership may be fully in agreement that change in the way agriculture is done, research is focused and extension carried out is needed, but be unwilling to take the heat for making everyone uncomfortable. You need to find where administrative support is in your university. It may not be in your college, although it might be. Find the Dean, the Vice President, the President, who sympathizes and keep them informed. Don t complain.
Administrators hate that.
But be sure that you point out opportunities and alternative ways of getting things done. There is a feeling of hope for sustainable agriculture within the giant bureaucracies. Much of the reorganization occurring includes an overt commitment to various aspects of sustainability, although perhaps not in a holistic way. A number of retirements are coming up so the very demographics may lead to a more open climate. Changing the non-academic side of the institution, for example helping the cafeteria buy locally at least part of the year, is another way to build community.