The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences positively affects the health, economy and environment of New Mexico through four focus areas, known as the ACES Pillars - food and fiber production and marketing, water use and conservation, family development and health of New Mexicans, and environmental stewardship. The Pillars give life to the mission of the college which is to be an engine for the economic and community development in New Mexico. In order to fulfil the mission, a strategic plan is necessary.

Dean Flores has noted, "The strategic plan is fundamental for the College as it is for any organization that wants to move forward producing a substantial impact. In the case of the ACES college that impact is to the lives of New Mexicans."

The ACES Strategic Planning Committee was established to develop a strategic plan for the college. In developing the plan, the committee reviewed the existing strategic plan, the SWOT analysis recently conducted by each department and unit in the college to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and other relevant information.