IN AN ADDRESS THE AUTHOR STATES THAT THE POPULATION EXPLOSION VERSUS WORLD FOOD PRODUCTION CAPACITY, TOGETHER WITH URBAN BLIGHT, POVERTY, AND FUNCTIONAL ILLITERACY, INCREASING COMPETITION FOR TRAINED MANPOWER, AND RELATED IMBALANCES IN AMERICAN EDUCATION CONSTITUTE MAJOR TRENDS AND ACUTE PROBLEMS IN TODAY'S SOCIETY. THE AUTHOR FEELS UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR EXTENSION DIVISIONS MUST LEAD THE ATTACK ON NATIONAL AND WORLDWIDE PUBLIC PROBLEMS. EXTENSION METHODS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN INCREASING FOOD PRODUCTION IN DEVELOPING NATIONS. HE STATES THAT THE PRIMARY KIND OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED IS EDUCATION AIMED AT POPULATION CONTROL, RATHER THAN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY. THE LEADERSHIP OF THE UNIVERSITIES WILL REQUIRE BROADER COOPERATION, NEW LINES OF COMMUNICATION, WISE ALLOCATION OF LIMITED EXTENSION RESOURCES, AND CONTINUING EDUCATION AND PLANNING FOR FUTURE NEEDS. THIS ADDRESS WAS PRESENTED AT THE NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE SEMINAR FOR COOPERATIVE EXTENSION (9TH, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, MAY 15, 1967). (LY)