The North American Agricultural Advisory Network (NAAAN) is a network of stakeholders in agricultural advisory services. NAAAN links agricultural extension communities with one another and with stakeholders within Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
NAAAN connects with counterparts in other countries through membership in the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS). GFRAS connects and supports regional agricultural advisory service networks around the world and serves as a platform for networking, learning, knowledge sharing, and advocacy for agricultural extension programs and service providers.
The North American Agricultural Advisory Network (NAAAN) Charter was approved by the Steering Committee in May of 2022 and outlines the NAAAN goals, organizational structure, and hosting agency.
CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS
With the support of GFRAS and other regional networks, NAAAN focuses on three core areas.
KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT
Support discussions and analysis to strengthen agricultural advisory services’ technical and empirical grounding in conceptual frameworks.
NETWORKING
Create expanded contact and closer relationships among NAAAN stakeholders in North America and worldwide counterparts.
POLICY ADVOCACY
Develop and utilize research, analysis, experience, and discussion to create policy briefs related to agricultural extension and support advocacy with program leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
COUNTRY CONVENINGS & PROGRAMMING
The NAAAN will host Convenings with partners in Canada, Mexico, and the United States in the Fall of 2022. Over 150 extension experts from across North America will be invited to join the three Country Convenings to participate in guided discussions around the NAAAN Study and Report findings. Groups will also explore the NAAAN thematic areas, including biodefense and management of natural disasters, improving soil health and water management, and building the next generation of leaders in agriculture. Information gathered in the Country Convenings will advise future NAAAN programming and will aim to strengthen extension networks and North American food systems.
THEMATIC AREAS
BIODEFENSE AND MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL DISASTERS
Diseases, natural disasters, and a changing climate threaten agricultural systems and economies. NAAAN will coordinate and help to mitigate risk with the Coalition for Epi Response Engagement and Sciences (CERES), Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), and other public and private partners.
IMPROVING SOIL HEALTH AND WATER MANAGEMENT
Soil and water management are fundamental aspects of productive agricultural activities and climate change mitigation and resilience. NAAAN has an essential role in soil and water management guidance to limit the effects of climate change on food production.
BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS IN AGRICULTURE
Working with partners Together We Grow (TWG) and Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), the NAAAN will cultivate the next generation of skilled, diverse, and inclusive leaders in global agriculture.