These key areas include biotechnology, information technology, systems approaches, precision technology, remote sensing and process technology, and predictive modeling. Biotechnology can accelerate change in the development of new crops and products, new approaches to pest management, environmental protection, and improved human health. However, IFAS must be careful to embrace science, public safety, and ethics in using biotechnology, to develop real solutions to real problems, and communicate to the general public science-based information about biotechnology. Information technology provides for expanded communication and connectivity as it enhances the capacity to transform data into information and package it for use indecision-making. Information technology can provide a broader access to science and technology by organizations and individuals in serving the needs of the people.
Systems approaches are critical to effective management of our biological and physical environments.
Reductionist science has enabled an extensive knowledge of how the parts work, but an understanding of how the parts interact to function as a whole requires a holistic perspective. Such an approach depends upon complex models and the science of systems. IFAS must move aggressively to bring this approach to program development, implementation, and problem solving. Precision technology and remote sensing will provide for the management of a wide range of resources and landscapes. Agriculture production enterprises, natural landscapes, wildlife habitats, urban and suburban neighborhoods, forests, and coastal environments all have the potential to be remotely managed either by satellite or by land-based remote sensing technology.