Grassroots organizations have been involved in the planning, development, and evaluation of sustainable agriculture initiatives. Clientele have responded favorably to Extension's invitation to membership on New Mexico's Strategic Plan for Sustainable Agriculture. Weaknesses Reductions in federal and state funding are trends likely to continue over the next few years. Because of reduced funding, Extension is understaffed, with several vacant county agent and specialist positions. Funding for sustainable agriculture projects is lacking.
Conservative citizens resist change to agricultural systems.
The news media tends to focus on differences rather than similarities between groups, fostering conflict. Private and public agencies and other organizations addressing sustainable agriculture issues do not have a common understanding or definition of sustainable agriculture. Extension personnel are neither rewarded nor held accountable for addressing sustainable agriculture issues and problems. There is no inter-agency coordination of sustainable agriculture programs. The following objectives are part of Extension's statewide plan of work, its four-year plan for educational programming.