Lessons from Virginia Cooperative Extension A glance at its structure and function

Abstract

Virginia Cooperative extension is a part of US cooperative extension system operated through Virginia State University and Virginia tech with the support of federal, state and local governments. The structure and function of the Virginia extension has changed to serve the people in changing time, need and space. Unlike other countries, Virginia cooperative extension system is very unique as it provides complete package of extension services to the society guided by the Federal Government of USA. Through its multi-dimensional, multi-structured, and multi-leadership approach, it serves the society in many innovative ways. It provides almost all kinds of advisory services, training, demonstration and support with respect to crop and animal husbandry, industry, weather, safety and human health. In this manuscript, we made an attempt to bring these services before the world. It is based on a review of literature from books, papers, Virginia Cooperative Extension website, and personal discussions and observations. The paper reveals that Virginia tech is an important agent of Virginia extension system with a vast network to educate and train people of the society for sustainability of environment, agriculture and human health that have demonstrative utility for other countries of the world.