The North Central Regional Center for Rural Development helps a number of stakeholders meet their mission and objectives. Stakeholders include those who directly fund the organization, as well as the moral community of the people and places of the North Central region. It is at the nexus of federal, state and local demands and opportunities. The major funder is the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service. As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Research, Education and Economics mission area, the CSREES mission "...is to advance knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and wellbeing, and communities." The NCRCRD shares this mission, with special emphasis on human well-being and communities. CSREES has five strategic goals: (1) Enhance economic opportunities for agricultural producers; (2) Support increased economic opportunities and improved quality of life in rural America; (3) Enhance protection and safety of the Nation's agriculture and food supply; (4) Improve the Nation's nutrition and health; and (5) Protect and enhance the Nation's natural resource base and environment. (Contains 2 footnotes, 3 tables, and 1 figure.)