The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) is a major U. S. Department of Agriculture agency. It links the research and education resources and programs of the USDA and works with:

• Land-grant universities in each state, territory, and the District of Columbia;
• More than 130 colleges of agriculture;
• 59 agricultural experiment stations;
• 57 state extension services;
• 63 schools of forestry;
• 16 1890 historically black land-grant institutions and Tuskegee University;
• 27 colleges of veterinary medicine;
• 42 schools and colleges of family and consumer sciences;
• 29 Native American land-grant institutions;
• 127 Hispanic-serving Institutions including 81 members and 45 associate members of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

In cooperation with its partners and customers, CSREES provides the focus to advance a global system of research, extension and higher education in the food and agricultural sciences to benefit people, communities, and the nation.

The CSREES mission emphasizes partnerships with the public and private sectors to maximize the effectiveness of limited resources. CSREES programs increase and provide access to scientific knowledge; strengthen the capabilities of land-grant and other educational institutions in research, extension, and higher education; increase access to and use of improved communication and network systems; and promote informed decision-making by agricultural producers, families, communities, and other consumers. The Focus

The heart of the CSREES results-oriented vision is to improve economic, environmental, and social conditions in the United States and globally. These conditions include improved agricultural and other economic enterprises; safer, cleaner water, food, and air; enhanced stewardship and management of natural resources; healthier, more responsible and more productive individuals, families, and communities; and a stable, secure, diverse, and affordable national food supply. Programs

Educational and research efforts encompass: Plant and Animal Production, Protection, and Processing; Natural Resources and Environment; Rural, Economic, and Social Development; Families, 4-H and Nutrition; Partnerships; Competitive Research Grants and Awards Management; Science and Education Resources Development; and Communications, Technology, and Distance Education. For more information about CSREES:

CSREES
U. S. Department of Agriculture
Washington, DC 20250-900
Telephone: 202-720-3029
Fax: 202-690-0289
World Wide Web: http://www.reeusda.gov/