Our Common Challenge, Defined

Building on the foundational work of previous generations, our food and fiber supply chain is confronting challenges of unprecedented scale and complexity. While the term 'sustainability' has been widely discussed in popular culture, here we offer our definition of the challenges at hand, ensuring a focused and actionable approach to complicated issues.  In this statement, we offer a clear summary of the critical issues we face, providing context and clarity for the objectives and goals of CESFAS outline below.

1. Economic Disparities and Constraints

Low wages, poor working conditions, and limited services are prevalent in rural America, harming the workers, families, and communities who drive everything from farming and ranching to processing, retail, and services. These economic disparities are a result of systemic issues both within and outside the system. Empowering our producers through new technologies, investment opportunities, and access to resources is essential for creating an equitable food system. When people are empowered, they can help drive positive change and contribute to a more sustainable economy.

2. Post-Harvest Loss and Market Access

Inadequate storage, handling, and processing infrastructure, coupled with complex regulations, logistical challenges, and high capital requirements, often result in significant post-harvest losses. These challenges hinder both food availability for the consumer and limit market access for the producer. However, these are the result of structural barriers. To ensure sustainability, it’s crucial to empower businesses throughout the supply chain by improving technology, removing barriers, and supporting partnerships.

3. The Dual Burden of Malnutrition

Our food system often relies on practices that reduce the nutritional value of products—heavily processed foods laden with additives, preservatives, and excessive sugars or fats. Once more, these unhealthy products contribute to diet-related diseases that disproportionately impact the same workforce and rural communities on which the supply chain depends. When food insecurity exists alongside rising rates of obesity, it creates a paradox where some populations suffer from malnutrition in the form of hunger, while others face health issues due to obesity. A healthy, food-secure population is essential for sustainability, and empowering communities to access nutritious, affordable food is key to addressing both ends of the malnutrition spectrum.

4. Inefficent Resource Use

Despite the best efforts of our producers, our food system also consumes excessive resources such as energy and water, contributing to environmental degradation. The heavy reliance on monoculture crops, for instance, reduces biodiversity and the resilience of the system. By transforming the supply chain, we can empower our agricultural communities to adopt more sustainable practices, diversify crops, reduce waste, mitigate environmental harm, increase system resilience, and promote long-term sustainability.  Only when we embrace our shared interdependence, we can protect our planet, nurture our ecosystems, and secure a better future for our children.

To achieve a healthy and sustainable growth of our food and fiber system, we must adopt an open, collaborative and transdisciplinary approach. Thus, the Center aims to be a catalyst for those share our vision and are committed to each component of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic.

Goal 1: Enhance Student Success and Social Mobility

Objective 1.1: Maintain and Enhance Student Support Structures

Initiatives: Expand the Sustainable Steward Student Internship Program and develop new experiential learning opportunities focused on value-added agriculture.

Alignment: Supports the ACES pillars by fostering a skilled workforce that contributes to food and fiber production and environmental stewardship.

Objective 1.2: Develop and Revise Interdisciplinary Curriculum

Initiatives: Create interdisciplinary minors or Ph.D. programs in sustainable food systems.

Alignment: Strengthens the foundational education and training pillar by offering academic programs that directly address New Mexico's agricultural challenges.

Goal 2: Elevate Research and Creativity

Objective 2.1: Strengthen Research Teams and Focus Areas

Initiatives: Support research teams focused on AI in agriculture, sustainable water systems, and food safety.

Alignment: Enhances the pillars of water use and conservation, food and fiber production, and environmental stewardship through cutting-edge research.

Objective 2.2: Expand External Partnerships and Research Impact

Initiatives: Develop partnerships with industry and other institutions to expand post-harvest processing and byproduct utilization research.

Alignment: Directly supports the food and fiber production and marketing pillar by enhancing the value chain for New Mexico's agricultural products.

Goal 3: Amplify Extension Outreach and Economic and Community Development

Objective 3.1: Enhance Community Outreach and Engagement

Initiatives: Implement outreach programs that increase visibility and engagement, including social media and online platforms.

Alignment: Contributes to the environmental stewardship and family development pillars by connecting research with community needs.

Objective 3.2: Develop Fee-Based Training and Workshop Programs

Initiatives: Launch programs like Certified Butcher Training to support local businesses.

Alignment: Supports economic development through the food and fiber production and marketing pillar.

Goal 4: Build a Robust University System

Objective 4.1: Elevate Visibility and Impact of CESFAS

Initiatives: Strengthen communication with stakeholders and legislators, showcasing CESFAS's successes.

Alignment: Enhances all ACES pillars by promoting the Center's contributions to New Mexico's agricultural economy.

Objective 4.2: Increase External Funding and Resource Development

Initiatives: Secure external funding through grants, partnerships, and income-generating services.

Alignment: Supports the financial sustainability of CESFAS, contributing to the foundational education and training pillar.