Cooperative extension
Description of the Organization:
North Carolina Cooperative Extension has been helping limited-resource farmers through more than a century of history by providing research-based technical information, training and assistance in sustainable farming practices.
N.C. Cooperative Extension is a strategic partnership between NC State and N.C. A&T State universities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), as well as state and local governments. Each university offers key Extension programs aligned for this population, connecting farmers and agribusinesses with vital research-based information and technology they need to produce high-quality crops and livestock.
With offices in every county and the Eastern Band of Cherokee, Extension serves as a bridge between North Carolinians and the universities. Research at NC State and N.C. A&T targets local issues and agricultural challenges, then Extension delivers the research discoveries directly into the hands of North Carolinians.
Programs and Services Offered:
Extension services vary by county. Here are some overviews and examples of programs.
Agriculture and Food:
Extension works to deliver new and important information to help farmers and producers throughout NC. This includes:
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Animal Agriculture: use the latest research to improve production and manage animal waste in environmentally sound ways.
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Aquaculture: providing information to continue growing this industry.
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Commercial Horticulture, Nursery and Turf: research-based production practices, investigate high-value alternative crops, develop sound business plans and explore new marketing options to ensure continued farm profitability, environmental stewardship and quality of life.
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Field Crops: Extension discovers and implements better agricultural products and practices, while providing growers and agribusinesses with the resources they need to continue producing economically-significant crops.
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Pest Management: Extension provides guidance and tools to assist with a comprehensive IPM strategy, along with production guides, workshops and other pest management information
Health and Nutrition:
Extension offers a range of educational programs to help individuals make healthier choices. Examples include canning classes, family nutrition courses, and consumer food safety information.
Become a 4-H:
4-H is the largest youth-serving organization in the state. It is a great way to involve and educate youth as well as increase access to many wonderful extension programs. Your local county 4-H agent is your key to getting started in 4-H. They can tell you what clubs already exist in your county, what projects are being worked on, how to start a new club, or how to participate on your own. To start a new club, you only need five youth and one adult.
Contact Information:
Find your local extension office.
Find an extension specialist.
Phone: 919-515-2813
Fees:
There is no fee for most extension services.
Departments of Cooperative Extension:
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Applied Ecology (includes Aquaculture, Fisheries, Toxicology and Wildlife Extension)
Geographic Service:
Statewide with specific county offices in all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.