Cooperative Extension
Department Description
The Cooperative Extension Department represents a close partnership between the University of Florida and Pasco County to bring practical, fact-based solutions to everyday problems and local citizens' challenges. University of Florida faculty, Program Managers and Coordinators, highly trained Master Gardeners, and 4-H volunteers share knowledge and expertise with citizens, non-profits, businesses, and government entities by educating adults and youth in the areas of horticulture, agriculture, youth civic engagement STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) initiatives, economic and community resource development, and family and consumer-driven issues by providing seminars, demonstrations, research, site visits, training, certifications, opportunities for hands-on instruction, and one-on-one consultations.
Core Services
Cooperative Extension
This service includes the following activities: urban and commercial horticultural programs; 4-H (Head, Heart, Hands, and Health) and Youth Development programs; Family and Consumer Sciences and Food Nutrition programs; and Pasco County Extension Agriculture and Livestock programs; One Stop Shop and Commercial Incubator Kitchen; Community Gardens Program.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping
This service includes administration and coordination of volunteers and programming aimed at all Pasco County citizens to provide education and outreach for the conservation of water resources and reduced pesticide and fertilizer use.
Budget Summary
Funding Sources
Goals and Objectives
Cooperative Extension's goals and objectives are based on irrigation efficiency, citizen workforce preparedness, and providing citizens with knowledge that improves their lives and their community. While baseline data is actively being gathered, the following goals and objectives for Fiscal Year 2024 have been identified:
- 60% of program participants will feel confident/ready to change a health behavior
- 70% of participants will understand the next step they need to take to improve finances
- 75% of all new construction residential irrigation permits will include soil moisture equipped systems
- At least 20 landscape maintenance professionals will be trained in the Green Industry Best Management Practices
- 60% of youth in Pasco County will demonstrate adoption of workforce preparedness skills
