Historically, when regional agricultural systems flourish, then the rural economy thrives and both systems benefit. To study and support this relationship, the "initiative" invests in research and outreach to strengthen Illinois agricultural systems that are linked to rural communities by cultural, economic, and environmental interdependencies. Currently (2005), financial support of initiatives is based on how a project addresses the opportunity, the research and outreach strategy, the participants and their roles, and expected system payoffs. Areas of particular interest include:

• Meat quality of grass fed beef and performance on grass fed diets.
• Policy issues related to certified organic cattle.
• The value of legumes in rotation.
• Challenges of working on transitional soils regarding the resource base of land, people, and infrastructure.
• Small-scale energy production systems.

The Dudley Smith Initiative is also offering grants of up to $1,500 to middle school and high school teachers to fund innovative projects that create knowledge about agriculture and its impact on the community. Applications are available on this website and are due on July 15, 2008.