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Fall is a great time on a university campus. The new academic year brings great opportunities, and this fall is no different. We have the best freshman class in Purdue's history; we have state-of-the-art facilities for those students to live and learn in; and we have plans in place to continue our quest for preeminence.
This is not a new phenomenon, and it is not an accident.
Purdue Agriculture has a roadmap for planned growth in learning, discovery and engagement, and we are excited about working with our stakeholders to build a better Indiana.
We are committed to help grow Indiana's economy and strengthen rural communities; to use basic science as a tool in advancing the food, agriculture and natural resources industry; and to help improve the quality of both our rural and urban environments.
Focusing on these initiatives helps increase the competitiveness of the state's entire agricultural industry. Our commitment to these objectives and to the diversity of agriculture is illustrated by the articles in this issue of Agricultures.
Purdue Agriculture plays a vital role in growing new economies and equipping Indiana and its citizens for new technologies (“Engaging Indiana”). State, regional and local leaders and economic planners know that a first-rate research university, like Purdue, boosts the economic fortunes of the state and provides rationale for start-up companies, investment in advanced manufacturing and high-tech industrial expansion.
The challenges we face in agriculture, food and natural resources today require innovative solutions that will lead us into the future. These innovations will come from discoveries in basic life sciences, which, in turn, will help increase the value of agricultural products and develop new markets (“Supply and demand”); improve health and nutrition of the population (“The Big C”); and ensure the safety of our food supply (“Playing it safe”).
Land-grant universities—like ours—were founded in the 1880s to improve lives and livelihoods in their states. That mandate has not changed and is possibly more critical now than when first articulated. Purdue Agriculture is poised and excited to partner with our state to find innovative solutions to the challenges that we face across Indiana.
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