Data were obtained in 1982 from 196 vocational agriculture teachers and 48 county agricultural extension agents identifying specific problems in West Virginia's agriculture that were most in need of research solutions. Multiflora rose eradication, coping with high production costs and interest rates, and improving state level funding for extension and vocational agriculture programs were the most serious agricultural problems in need of research solutions. A need also exists for a clear, dynamic process for evaluating current research activities, identifying potential research opportunities, and developing mission-oriented research priorities. Publicly supported agricultural research should be expanded and steps taken to ensure that research policy and programs adequately reflect needs and concerns of West Virginia's entire agricultural community. The Cooperative Extension Service is charged with disseminating research findings to the agricultural community, yet vocational agriculture teachers and county extension agents are somewhat unaware of available research information. The need for research findings to be quickly communicated to educators and farmers necessitates close links and mutual understanding between research and extension education and timely publication of research results. The current research program at West Virginia University and other affiliated institutions may need improvement or adjustments. Problems unique to various regions should be given due consideration. (BRR)