The Cooperative Research & Extension (CRE) Department implements the Agriculture Experiment Station (AES), Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and Residential Instruction (RI) of the College of Micronesia Land Grant Programs in Palau. CRE’s programs are done in a multidisciplinary approach through the four main divisions: Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Education (NREED), and Family and Consumer Education (FaCe) and Enriched Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
Agriculture Division
This division handles the Residential Instruction of the Agricultural Science Program for PCC. Research and Extension programs focus on germplasm conservation of staple root crops, best management practices, sustainable agriculture, and integrated pest management to assist stakeholders in maintaining and enhancing profitable farming and production practices. Integration of production, marketing and processing systems for root crops, fruits, vegetables and animal production are taken into consideration in farm management, decision- making skills, and economic development. Extension programs transfer the latest technologies to clientele and promote optimum use of resources consistent with environmental and family goals.
Programs and other focus areas:
– Agricultural Science
– Integrated Pest Management
– Tissue Culture
– Sustainable Agriculture
– Germplasm conservation
– Cultural ManagementFamily and Consumer Education (FaCE)
Food Safety and the Adult and Youth Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) are on-going extension programs under FaCE division which aims to provide families and youth with basic nutrition, demonstration of selected healthy recipes, and tips on safe food handling and storing to improve the clients’ eating habits. In addition, personal sewing, another on-going extension program, aims to provide clients with the skills needed to save and /or supplement their income.
Programs and other focus areas:
– Food Technology training
– Food Security
– Root crops and sea food processingNatural Resources and Environmental Education Division (NREED)
This division develops and implements integrated programs in research, education, and extension to enhance opportunities for agriculture producers by identifying potential species with high economic values. Educational programs focus on management, use, and sustainability of natural resources with special attention to environmental stewardship and biodiversity. Programs encompass fish and wildlife management, freshwater and marine aquaculture, conservation and sustainable use of Palau’s land, water, and air resources.
Programs and other focus areas:
Marine & Environmental education
– After-school science programs
– Summer marine & environmental science program
– Environmental and marine stewardship classes in the schoolsWater Quality Program
– Dry Litter Waste Management promotion and demonstration
-Water and human health education campaign
-Rainwater Catchment Maintenance educationAquaculture
– Multi-Species Hatchery production
– School & community education outreach
– Technical support to fish farmers
– ResearchResearch and Development Station (R & D)
The Research and Development Station in Ngermeskang, Ngaremlengui, serves the needs of the Republic and the region in the area of Agriculture, Family & Consumer Education (FaCe), Enriched Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), Natural Resources & Educational Development (NREED) research and experiments. Numerous research and experimental projects in agriculture, family consumer education and enriched food and nutrition education program, swine waste management (dry litter demonstration) as well as sustainable and environmentally sound land and water use practices are demonstrated as information gateway to t he community. The public is welcome to visit the R&D Station demonstrations and projects.
Multi-Species Hatchery
On July 14, 2010, PCC has inaugurated the state-of-the-art multi-species hatchery at Ngermetengel, Ngaremlengui State. This facility was established to support PCC’s active role in the development of aquaculture in the country. At present, there are an increasing number of individuals who are interested in farming various aquaculture commodities; however, the supply of locally produced fingerlings is very limited. Therefore this multi-species hatchery is expected to augment the seedstock requirement of the prospective fish farmers in the country. In addition, this hatchery will also be utilized as a demonstration and training facility to clients and the community who are interested to learn and develop their skills in the seed production of marine organisms.
The hatchery complex features an integrated broodstock, nursery, natural food and larval production tanks designed in such a way that the water from the reservoir is supplied by means of gravity; thus minimize the use of electricity during the operation. An office and laboratory has been provided to accommodate the researchers and extension agents in their daily activities. Equipment such as microscopes, water analyzers, weighing balances are available in the laboratory for research use. A phycology lab is also provided where starters for microalgae used as natural food for fish larvae are grown and maintained. Good quality seawater supply is maintained using a mechanical sand filter and UV filtration system.