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NORMAL, AL, March 29---One of the six state goals of the Urban and New Nontraditional Program's unit of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is to expand the understanding of urban agricultural concepts so they address real issues of urban-rural interdependence.

"As the outreach component of the land-grant universities, it is proper that the Alabama Cooperative Extension System recognizes the interconnection between urban and rural areas to better serve all people. Extension educators realize a healthy Extension System needs a strong rural component and a viable urban presence," says Dr. Dony Gapasin, a community resource development specialist with the Alabama Cooperative System.

The annual Urban-Rural Interface Conference, set for Thursday, April 19, focuses on the importance of building working relationships with communities, organizations and agencies to serve diverse audiences through more balanced programming efforts, says Dr. Gapasin. Conference activities are designed to educate participants on how to collaborate, build partnerships and establish coalitions that enhance programs and services.

This year's conference theme is "Cooperative Extension Helping Communities Thrive in a Changing Environment." Extension personnel, community leaders, officers and members of community organizations, city and county officials, university faculty, staff and students, other educators, service providers, the business community and consumers are invited to attend the daylong conference in Dawson Auditorium on the Alabama A&M University campus. The conference begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. There is a $15 registration fee per person.

A panel discussion on "Emerging Trends in Biotechnology: Implications for Families and Communities" is also scheduled, as is an open forum on "Energy Utilization: Impacts on Urban and Rural Conservation Management." In addition, three breakout discussion sessions are set. Topics to be discussed include "Urbanization: Wasn't There a Farm Here Yesterday?" "Urban and Rural Communities: A Focus on Economic Empowerment," and "Urban-Rural Interface: Managing Change in Your Environment with Positive Approaches."

Education exhibits will also be available throughout the day.

The conference is sponsored by the Urban and New Nontraditional Programs unit of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in cooperation with the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Alabama A&M University, Southern Agbiotech Consortium for Underserved Communities and the Community Action Agency.