• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.140-147
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• 2004

Agrometeorological information is essential in many agricultural decisions if it reaches the user in a timely and appropriate manner. Agriculture is the backbone to local, regional, and global economic development. Thus, strengthening agrometeorological application to diverse agricultural sectors will benefit economic development. This paper discusses three distinct organizational minions that all share the same need for improved information technology. The World Meteorological Organization's (WMOs) Commission for Agricultural Meteorology (CAgM) has global responsibility for improved agrometeorological services of Members to aid agricultural production and to conserve natural resources. The United States Department of Agriculture, World Agricultural Outlook Board, publishes monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, considered to be a benchmark for both government and industry in production and trade decisions. The National Drought Policy Commission (NDPC), created by an act of the United States Congress, formulated a national drought policy based on preparedness rather than on crisis management. All three organizations recognize the need for IT applications in agricultural meteorology and have been active in implementing this technology. The development of information technology offers new means of dissemination of agrometeorological products. World Agrometeorological Information Service (WAMIS) has taken advantage of the global Internet application to offer WMO Members a dedicated web server to host agrometeorological bulletins and training modules.