History

 In recent years, we've come to recognize that agriculture and the environment are intertwined.

Throughout this century, North Carolinians have come to accept that the more we learn the better prepared we are to face change. As we approach the dawn of a new century, change seems to be coming ever fast and affecting every facet of our society - from our families to our economy, and from our environment to our technology. These changes make continuing education increasingly important. Through effective education, we build strong foundations for the future.

For nearly eight decades, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service has provided people with the research-based knowledge they need to meet the challenges of life. The educational organization is a part of a nationwide extension system made possible by a network of partnerships. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, land-grant universities, nonprofit organizations, and thousands of volunteers and lay advisers make Extension excel.

In North Carolina, Extension agents take a team approach to their work in all 100 counties and on the Cherokee Reservation. Supported by specialists at North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University, they provide educational programs for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Oftentimes, these programs enhance the work of other government and nonprofit agencies which have joined hands with Extension to improve the quality of life in North Carolina. Volunteers and lay advisers keep university researchers and Extension professionals apprised of local concerns so that Extension's programs truly reflect the needs of the state's people.

Foundations for the Future is a long range plan aimed at guiding the Extension Service in the coming years. The plan ensures that Extension's programs meet the needs of our fast-changing state.

To develop the statewide plan, each county surveyed its citizenry. More than 25,000 people statewide took part. Their needs were studied, then grouped into 20 program initiatives called State Major Programs. These programs revolve around five focus areas in which Extension has developed expertise: sustaining agriculture and forestry; protecting the environment; maintaining viable communities; developing responsible youth; and developing strong, healthy and safe families.

As the statewide plan was developed, county Extension staffs also developed their own plans of work, which focus on those programs that most directly address the specific needs of the people in their counties.

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