52
The work occurring at Live Oak suggests that a successful field organization can be put together at a research center, where an FSR/E field agent coordinates activities between researchers, extension agents, paraprofessionals and farm collaborators. This.field agent needs to have legitimate, acceptable extension and research responsibilities.
Unlike the North Florida FSR/E Project's start, extension should be draw intg .S. farming systems approaches from the beginning. dnny tn-nare important sources of information and provide crucial support to an FSR/E team in gaining legitimacy and acceptance within a county's existing agricultural structure. The North Florida effort has improved its research efforts through the development of close linkages with extension personnel at the local and regional levels.
(Social and
Economic FAir* RE1A10N
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aiata arelusis
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Figure 6. Proposed Regionally-Focused Farming Systems Effort, Twi b ase a ta a e Tabricut a.. Research andstion
latioEducation Cenner.
. Reortwri ti ng
Plan of
wort, Rteviews
INSTI~rtCA ASIE
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Figure 6. Proposed Regionally-Focused Farming Systems Effort, with base at area Agricultural Research and
Education Center.