Cooperative Extension is the outreach arm of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University and the School of Agriculture at North Carolina A&T State University. They are county agents, professors, scientists and volunteers working together to improve the quality of life in North Carolina. The key components of NC Cooperative Extension's mission are:
Sustaining agriculture and forestry
Protecting the environment
Maintaining viable communities
Developing responsible youth
Developing strong, healthy and safe families.
Cooperative Extension Services
Educational programs benefit farmers, rural and urban residents, families, community and civic leaders and youth.
They Lead the way with programs about:
Aging
Agriculture and natural resources policy
Agriculture and the environment
Animal production and marketing systems
Child care education and training
Community and economic development
Crop production and marketing systems
Family and consumer economics
Family and parents education
Food and forest products manufacturing
Food quality and safety
Health and human safety
Leadership and volunteer development
Marketing and production of alternative agricultural opportunities and enterprises
Natural resource conservation and management
Nutrition and wellness
Residential and community horticulture, forestry and pest management
Residential and community water and waste management
Resilient youth, families and communities
Youth development
Extension agents, located in every county and on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, are the bridge between specialists on the university campuses and you.
The staff in your Extension Center coordinates educational programs, public meetings, workshops, field days, personal consultations and satellite broadcasts to help you improve your life. Your Extension Center is stocked with publications, newsletters, computer programs and videotapes on a variety of topics.