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​Who We Are

Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension is an off-campus branch of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS).​  We offer research-based education by trained professionals and volunteers, in order to provide problem-solving solutions to Palm Beach County residents​​​. We are supported by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, University of Florida, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Extension encompasses thousands of faculty members, scientists, educators, administrative staff, and volunteers, all working to provide solutions for your life. Whether you need to know how to design a more energy-efficient house, care for native plant life, or develop a youth leadership program, Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service/UF-IFAS has the answers. The University's expertise is available to small business owners, farmers, builders, home owners, parents, children, and the general publi.


History

The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established the Cooperative Extension Service, a partnership between land grant colleges nationwide, as a means for disseminating and  implementing research-based information from land-grant universities, including the University of Florida. The transfer of knowledge from the university to people throughout the state is facilitated by "Extension" faculty located in each of Florida's 67 counties. This partnership between counties and the university is the heart of the Cooperative  Extension Service mission and enables the university to extend its knowledge base to each community.

 

Extension offers information in the areas of:

Agriculture

  • Animal/plant production and marketing.
  • Agribusiness management.
  • Education for small farm owners.
  • Safe and efficient use of pesticides and fertilizers.

Family & Consumer Sciences

  • Food safety.
  • Food and nutrition education.
  • Parenting and nurturing infants and young children.
  • Money management.
  • Neighborhood strengthening through volunteer involvement.
  • Hurricane/disaster preparation.

Agricultural Economic Development Program

  • Diversifying and enhancing Agricultural Opportunities in Palm Beach County
  • Identifying and developing new markets and products
  • Promoting job creation and growth
  • Assistance in creating value-added Agricultural products.

Environmental Horticulture

  • Selection and placement of plant materials for energy and water conservation.
  • Landscape design and management.
  • Mulching and composting practices that reduce, reuse, and recycle yard trash.
  • Use of plants to attract desirable wildlife.
  • Commercial nursery production and marketing.
  • Master Gardener Program to assist with landscape and gardening questions.

4-H/Youth Development

  • More than 50 project areas from which to choose, including citizenship, robotics, marine science, animal/pet care, and many others.
  • Leadership training for teens and adults.
  • Organizing community and school 4-H clubs.
  • School enrichment curriculum or curricula.
  • Learning life skills.