Transcript Slide 1
Community Services Extension Service The Flagler County Extension Service provides research-based information and educational programs on topics related to agriculture, horticulture, the environment, marine ecology, consumer sciences, nutrition, food safety and youth development. As a branch of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), this expertise is available to all Flagler County residents to help them solve problems and make practical decisions. By partnering with local government, advisory committees, concerned citizens, commodity groups and the youth of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension creates an important link between the public and research conducted on campus and at 13 research and education centers. The State of Florida has solidified the partnership in Section 1004.37 of the Florida Statutes. The Extension Service is funded on a pro-rata basis between Flagler County and the University of Florida. Extension Service Organizational Chart Extension Director/ Family and Consumer Sciences Agent UF 50% Flagler County 25% Putnam County 25% Agricultural Agent 4-H Youth Development Agent UF 20% County 80% UF 53% County 47% Horticulture Program Assistant and Master Gardener Coordinator Staff Assistant II Family Nutrition Program Assistant Sea Grant Extension Agent County 100% County 100% UF 100% UF 100% How the Partnership is Funded $258,784 $303,794 University of Florida Flagler County The Goals of the Extension Service Provide agriculture information and support to growers of vegetable crops, sod production, livestock and forage, and silvaculture. Provide education on Florida Friendly landscaping, water conservation, preservation of natural resources and conduct soil and water testing. Train and develop Master Gardener volunteers, who educate others and give back to the local community, in the area of horticulture. Teach nutrition and wellness, food safety and family economic stability through educational programs to youth and adults. Assist youth to develop life skills through the 4-H program, specifically 4-H clubs and projects. Educate individuals on the importance of protecting Flagler County’s marine ecology system, including estuaries, watersheds and beaches. The clientele contacts for 2011 are: Participants in Group Learning Events – 40,797 Phone Calls Requesting Educational Information – 3,616 Office Visits for Diagnostic and Educational Information - 2,437 Email Consultations – 5,369 Field Consultations - 128 Volunteer Hours - 6,424 Value of Volunteer Hours - $118,201 Value of Grants - $120,322 Florida Extension Long Range Plan Initiatives 2012-2022 Increasing the Sustainability, Profitability, and Competitive Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises Enhancing and Protecting Water Quality, Quantity, and Supply Enhancing and Protecting Florida's Natural Resources and Environmental Quality Producing and Conserving Traditional and Alternative Forms of Energy Empowering Individuals and Families to Build Healthy Lives and Achieve Social and Economic Success Supporting Urban and Rural Community Resources and Economic Development Preparing Youth to be Responsible Citizens and Productive Members of the Workforce