Cooperative Extension. These two words describe what Extension is and how it works. It is called "Cooperative" because it is a partnership between the federal, state and local governments. It is called "Extension" because it is the arm of the land grant university that reaches out and carries research-based information to the public.

Cooperative Extension was formed by the Smith-Lever Act in 1914. Three partners cooperate to provide Extension programs in virtually every county and state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and Micronesia.

1. The federal partner is the United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA. The federal partner provides funds that help to run Extension programs.
   
2. The state partner is the land-grant university in each state. In Maine this is the University of Maine. The Land-grant University hires staff members, provides salaries and some program funding, and also provides office space at the state level.
   
3. The local partner is the county government, which is represented by the county commissioners. Counties provide office space, support staff, and office supplies. County executive boards, made up of local residents, help to determine program direction at the local level.

The mission of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension is to help Maine people improve their lives through an educational process that uses research-based knowledge focused on issues and needs.

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension, or UMCE, focuses on two major program areas. These are:

1. Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources.
   These programs include the master gardener program, home horticulture, potato and blueberry commodities, wildlife, water quality and many more.
   
2. Human Development, 4-H, Nutrition and Health.
   These programs include parenting, EFNEP, financial management, 4-H clubs, school projects, school-age care, food safety and many more.

Cooperative Extension has a rural heritage. However, it offers its programs to all people, regardless of who they are or where they live.

The result of the three-way partnership among federal, state and local levels is a nationwide knowledge system designed to serve you. We are a rich resource, just waiting to be tapped.