About Us

	In the early 1900's, a Jefferson County Cooperative Extension agent inspects a cover crop. This management practice protects soil from eroding. (Photo Credit: The Florida Memory Project)

What is the University of Florida/Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Cooperative Extension Service?

UF/IFAS Cooperative Extension is a federal-state-county partnership throughout Florida , dedicated to "Helping People Help Themselves." Every county in Florida has a Cooperative Extension office.

The term "cooperative" refers to the method by which extension services are funded. In Florida , three cooperating tax sources provide funds: The United States Department of Agriculture; the State of Florida through legislative appropriations; and the counties through appropriations from the county governments.

The term "extension" refers to our educational mission of extending science-based information to Floridians in the form of a "service". We conduct educational programs on diverse topics. A few examples include natural resource and coastal management, agricultural management, human health and nutrition, and youth leadership.