COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

Cooperative extension brings evidence-based science and modern technologies to farmers, consumers, and families. By educating farmers on business operations and on modern agricultural science and technologies, extension contributes to the success of farms, ranches, and rural businesses. Further, these services improve the lives of consumers and families through nutrition education, food safety training, and youth leadership development.

HOW IT WORKS

University faculty members, who are disciplinary experts, translate science-based research results into language - written, verbal, and electronic - appropriate for targeted audiences. County-based educators work with local citizens and interest groups to solve problems, evaluate the effectiveness of learning tools, and collect grassroots input to prioritize future research. By living and working in communities, county educators are able to rely on existing relationships to respond to local needs, build trust, and engage effectively with citizens.

WHERE ARE THEY?

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has a vast network of scientists, educators, and extension personnel who address criticisms of agriculture, food, the environment, and the community. The key partner is the nation's Land-Grant University (LGU) system; in these universities are the Agricultural Extension offices. Find out where those offices are in your state and how to contact them with this map. The tool allows you to discover the websites of the institution and the websites of the institution. Press click below for more information.