 About Extension
 What's Extension?
Extension is part of a nationwide network of
community educational centers. It is based on the Federal Land-Grant concept
established in the early 1900's as a means of "extending" university
resources to our nation's
citizens.
Every state has at least one land-grant university. Florida has two, the
University of Florida and A&M University. At the University of Florida, Extension
is located in the Institute
of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). Every county has
an Extension Service. Our local Extension Service is a cooperative
partnership between the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the University
of Florida.
What Does Extension Do?
Extension provides non-biased, research-based information in agriculture, human
and natural resources, and life sciences. Extension provides this
information in a number of ways, including classes, seminars, printed and electronic
materials, and consultations. Extension's educational programs are directed
at broad national and state concerns, as well as issues specific to local needs.
Marion County's Extension program areas share significant common goals in
helping citizens to conserve resources, protect the natural and home environments,
and improve the quality of lives.
What Does Extension Provide Education In?
Programs vary from county to county, based on different needs. Marion County's
Extension Service provides education in:
 Youth
development - through the 4-H program
Equine
and livestock - education in production, efficiency, management, and
marketing skills
Green Farm Practices - 'Best Management Practices' for horse and cattle farms.
Small
farms - education in economic viability, improve knowledge
of farm-related enterprises, and enhancement of desired
rural lifestyle
Nutrition and
wellness - health promotion, disease-risk reduction,
health maintenance
Food safety - proper food handling
Financial
management
Family matters
Housing
Sustainablity - education in protecting our water resources, promoting green-building practices, energy efficiency, and alternative energy sources.
Urban
horticulture - residential plant care and gardening issues, supports
two subsidiary programs, Master Gardener and Florida
Yards and Neighborhoods.
Commercial
horticulture - educational outlet for commercial nurserymen, landscapers,
turf managers, pesticide training, and assists in troubleshooting
plant production
What's An Extension Agent?
An Extension agent acts as a liaison between the land-grant University and their
county's citizens to provide educational information within the agent's assigned
program area.
| 
