Yolo Area Regional Network

Agriculture, Environment & Telecommunications Summit

Issues for discussion:

1. How can the Internet be used and developed to provide improved access to agricultural resources, best practices, new markets, strategies and economic opportunities?

2. How can new telecommunications systems and services provide better information, education and decisionmaking capabilities about land use and natural resources management?

3. What are cost effective, appropriate means for improved regional connectivity, access and training that can serve needed on the ground applications?

4. What groups and organizations in this area are setting TsmartU examples to be learned from, partnered with, and supported?

5. What are strategic actions that YARN (or others) are and should be taking to better serve the agricultural and environmental interests and needs of this region?

How might Yolo County and its North-central Valley neighbors effectively shape and benefit from participation in the Information Society?

How should farmers and agricultural producers; agricultural associations and agencies; and agriculture support organizations more effectively use the Internet for economic, educational, and information applications?

What are some current and potential online applications that may have real value for agricultural and environmental interests and needs?

How is the flow of information changing political, economic and social relationships that affect these sectors of society, and how might new arrangements benefit of this region?

How can telecommunications based applications help with landuse, water and other environmental issues, conflicts or opportunities?

Are there underserved areas and populations in this region, and how might they be better served?

What are examples of telecommunications/Internet applications that may better serve K-12 and lifelong agricultural and environmental education?

What are the telecommunications needs of agricultural biotechnology companies and research ventures in this region, and how might they be better served?

What is the role of telecommunications in regional economic development planning?