Remarks by Dr. Gale Buchanan, USDA Under Secretary For Research, Education, and Economics, Positioning Research, Education, and Extension In The Energy Picture, Presented to National Extension Directors Annual Conference (February 6, 2007)

1. Introduction:
1. Always good to be with my colleagues.
2. Most enjoyable part of my job is meeting with groups such as you.
3. Appreciate the opportunity to share a few thoughts with you.
4. Bioenergy and Bioproducts - The Bioeconomy is definitely a very high priority.
2. Where does energy fit as a national concern:
1. President has made it clear:
• "America is addicted to oil"
• "State of the Union" we will replace 20% of gasoline in 10 years
2. A few facts about energy clearly show the problem:
• U.S. consumes 25% of world's oil production.
• U.S. accounts for 5% of world's oil production.
• U.S. has 2% of world's proven resources.
• Compared to China - consumes 11% of world's energy; 21% of world's population.
• Imports now provide 55% of current needs.
• Imports projected to grow to 68% by 2025.
3. Building a sustainable society:
• We in agriculture have long championed sustainability.
• Petroleum, coal, tar sands, even nuclear sources of energy are finite.
• At some point in history, these sources will run out!
• Sun's energy is the best thing going for sustainability.
• Recognize wind, geothermal sources are also sustainable.
3. Where does energy fit into agriculture from a historical perspective?
1. A. Organized agriculture 8 - 10,000 years
2. Major paradigm shifts
• Concept of fertilization...1850's
• Mechanization ..........early 1900's
• Hybridization........1930's
• Ag. Chemicals.........1940's
• Biotechnology ......1970's
• Bioenergy and Bioproducts..2000's
• This will be one of the greatest paradigm shifts ever.
4. Positioning Research, Education, and Extension in the Energy Picture:
1. Research:
• A bit slow out of the chute, but rapidly catching up.
• I am pleased to see our progress - - most credit goes to our scientists.
• Working collaboratively.
• Seeing universities gearing up.
• Confident of outcome.
2. Education:
• Much slower to get started.
• Curriculum change is tough, but we must change.
• I would say to our LGU teaching deans: "If you don't get your curricula developed to turn out society ready graduates for the new bioeconomy, someone will do it for you."
• National Academy of Sciences conference.
• In recent months, I have had visits with representatives of 3 junior colleges who are developing energy-related curricula.
• Confident of outcome - - just not sure who will do the job.
3. Extension:
• Save the best for last.
• You are now in the driver's seat
• You can determine how long you stay there.
• To stay there you must find your niche
• I cannot tell you everything you must be or do.
• I can think of a few things, but we need the most creative thinking possible from extension.
1. Certainly we must have Extension's traditional support in producing energy crops
2. Lead the educational effort in conservation
3. Serve as a bridge between Federal, State, and local agencies and governments in the implementation of the bioeconomy.
1. Discuss President's Proposal:
• National Priority
• Science is key
• Outreach included in Farm Bill Proposal:
• Our Bioenergy initiative
• $50 million annual mandatory funding - $0.5 billion over 10 years
• Need for Extension to participate
• Other programs
• Encourage working with RD in States to exchange information
• NRCS as well
• How Reorganization of REE mission area will impact Extension
• Increase linkages with ARS
Lots of strong science in ARS that need to be translated to producers/stakeholders
• Key strengths of our proposed reorganization and restructuring plan
1. Keep all research, education, extensions, economics, and statistical programs in USDA - not in a separate independent agency.
   We believe that these programs are an integral part of the USDA mission. It is important to maintain the connection of USDA agricultural research with USDA action agencies.
2. USDA's proposal leaves ERS and NASS on separate agencies. ERS is a federally designated statistical agency and does much more than research. NASS has a quite different mission.
3. USDA's proposal does not include the USDA Forest Service Research. Research conducted by the Forest Service is funded by a different appropriations bill and subject to different congressional jurisdiction.
4. USDA's proposal provides for programs to be under a subcabinet level Under Secretary and Deputy Under Secretary
5. The USDA proposal would maintain the current NAREEE Board. The current confirmation of the NAREEE is working well.
6. The USDA proposal would maintain the current major funding authorities that are known to all constituents. We would not create a new set of formulas for fund distribution. We think more flexibility for program management is needed - not less. ___ would be a step in the wrong direction.
7. We would not have a 6-year term Director. This would put the Director "out of cycle" with the administration. Have a subcabinet level official will ensure a direct line to the Secretary and Administration.
   The CREATE-21 Board would be appointed largely by Congress. This would unnecessarily upset the balance of executive and legislative branches.
• Talk about DOE and need to elevate Ag. in discussion. Farm Bill helps, but Extension has important role in communicating Ag.'s role
• What should Extension do?
1. I know when I get on "thin ice", but here goes.
1. Learn about the energy situation
• Recognize achieving greater energy independency is a national priority
• get your facts and figures down
• you will be able to discuss the energy Picture in an authoritative manner.
• Don't over sell. Keep discussions realistic
2. Identify personnel in your shop
• If you don't have any new $, redirect
• Join with other States
• Employ your best personnel; don't use this as a means of putting someone "out to pasture".
3. Develop an energy program
• Our President has shared his plan.
• We need to build on the President's plan.
• What is your plan?
• Extension is a unique position to help their State develop the State energy plan.
• Some States are far down the road.
4. Establish a broad base of working relationships
• Other Federal agencies
• State agencies
• Industry
5. Communicate with teaching and research interests
• Your workers are going to come out of your colleagues teaching programs
• Your research colleagues both universities and ARS can help solve some of your most challenging problems.
6. Establish energy goals
• Extension can be a leader in working with everyone in the State.