Our Mission:

Cornell Cooperative Extension provides residents with research-based opportunities to learn for a better tomorrow in Fulton and Montgomery Counties.

Our History:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Fulton and Montgomery Counties is a community-based educational outreach agency with state and national networks. The Cooperative Extension System was formally established with the passage of the federal Smith Lever Act in 1914 with a county, state and federal cooperative funding government partnership. Today, through a partnership with USDA, Cornell University, Fulton and Montgomery County Governments, and other funders, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Fulton and Montgomery Counties addresses critical and emerging issues for individuals, families and communities. 

Extension of research knowledge through learning partnerships is the foundation of the Smith Lever Act preamble that states the purpose of extension work, "to aid in defusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on agriculture, home economics and subjects relating thereto and to encourage the application of the same." 

Today, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Fulton and Montgomery Counties' educational outreach programming -- in family and youth development, agricultural profitability, nutrition and food safety, environment and labor force enhancement -- is still true to its core purpose and mission established at the beginning of this century. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Fulton and Montgomery Counties' educational outreach programs are responsive to new research findings, and the social, technological, economic and/or political changes that cause us to look at and respond to situations differently today than yesterday and differently tomorrow than today. As society and community issues become increasingly complex, decision-making and problem-solving skills become increasingly important, CCE-F/MC educational outreach programs focus on helping constituents evaluate alternatives, assess risks and ask the right questions to solve their problems.