WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

Cooperative state research education & extension service - the mission of the division of agricultural, consumer, environmental, and outreach programs (aceop) is to "aid in the academic, technological, economic, and social advancement of the state of west virginia by identyfing resources and programs pertinent to the progression and dissemination of knowledge and services by way of research, teaching, and extension". Listed below are the program areas which fall under the cooperative state research and extension service: agriculture and natural resources - provides research-based educational programs and technical assistance to farmers, commodity groups, agribusiness, and provides horticultural and pest management assistance to the broader citizenship of west virginia. Alternative agriculture - alternative agriculture products and practices such as organic farming and hydroponic systems are an important component in north american agriculture. Aquaculture - the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish has developed into the fastest-growing segment of agriculture in the united states. Breeding greenhouse tomatoes - greenhouse tomato production represents 17 percent of the total production in the us and a 30-40 percent increase is expected in the future. Community and agricultural resource development - work to strengthen the economic and social vitality of communities. One of its newest efforts is the digiso digital media center at the economic development center in the west side of charleston, wv. Resilient youth and families - aceop serves west virginia's communities of families through the provision of client-centered educational programs. The youth education programs, based on the 4-h model, involve group activities, club meetings camps, fairs, and contests for its members. 4-h is a national initiative that provides opportunities for youth to meet new people, gain leadership skills, set and achieve skills, learn life skills, and build self-confidence. Soil remediation - each year in west virginia, thousands of acres of forests are disturbed through the processes of logging, development, and extractive industries such as coal and natural gas. Vegetable genomics - the future of u.s. Vegetable production depends on the continued genetic improvement and development of new superior cultivars.