Cooperative Extension and 4-H

What is University of Georgia Extension?

University of Georgia Extension extends lifelong learning to the people of Georgia through unbiased, research-based education in agriculture, the environment, communities, youth and families. University of Georgia Extension is a county, state and federal funded organization supported by specialists in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Extension agents are in almost every county in Georgia. If you'd like to learn about building a safer environment for your children or protecting the environment we all share, avoiding chronic diseases like diabetes with healthy food or training food handlers in your cafeteria, the University of Georgia Extension is the place to start. Just call 1-800-ASK-UGA1 (275-8421) from anywhere in Georgia and you'll be automatically connected to the UGA Extension office in that county.

Most counties have a combination of agents who specialize in agriculture and natural resources, youth development and family and consumer sciences. Agents complete specialized training to help them meet the needs of the communities they serve. Some specialize in horticulture; others, in row crop or livestock production. Some agents work to help families deal with rural development issues or raise healthy children in urban settings. Through county Extension offices, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences helps Georgians become healthier, more productive, financially independent and environmentally responsible.

The University of Georgia Extension's educational programs have statewide significance:

• In cities with efforts such as Master Gardeners and Urban Gardening
• In rural areas by helping farmers with crop, conservation and financial information
• In homes by providing food, nutrition, child development and financial literacy information
• In the wild by working with residents to protect the environment
• In the food service industry by providing information and training relating to safe food handling and preparation
• In schools through 4-H

University of Georgia Extension was founded in 1914 to take research-based agricultural information from land-grant colleges and universities to all Georgians, particularly those who lacked access to formal education. The "College on Wheels" carried University of Georgia Faculty and exhibits of interest across the state from 1908 through 1917. Although agriculture and society have changed dramatically during the past 90 years, the University of Georgia Extension continues to fulfill its basic mission.

The mission of University of Georgia Extension is to extend lifelong learning to the people of Georgia through unbiased, research-based education in agriculture, the environment, communities, youth and families. County Extension agents help keep farmers abreast of the latest agricultural technology, research and marketing strategies. County agents and specialists throughout the state share information on issues like water quality, profitability in agribusiness, family wellness and life skills. County agents provide soil and water test kits and instruction, advice on safe pesticide use, provide publications and computer programs and teach consumers skills to improve Georgians quality of life.

University of Georgia Extension helps Georgians become healthier, more productive, financially independent and environmentally responsible. Extension agents stay in touch with issues relevant to people in local communities through county Extension offices. They are the local experts in food safety, proper eating habits, child safety and parenting. Some agents help parents cope with the pressures of balancing home, work and children; others help keep families healthy with information on nutrition and food safety. University of Georgia Extension reaches more than 2 million Georgians through its education programs annually. Millions more rely on our publications, educational news articles and public television programming for advice and information.

University of Georgia Extension coordinates 4-H, Georgia's largest youth program. Each year, almost 200,000 young Georgians participate in community projects, summer camps and conferences on today's issues while having fun and learning to work together. The leadership skills and responsible values they learn in 4-H last a lifetime.