Cooperative Extension
Mission
The mission of the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) is to improve the lives of citizens in Stafford County through an educational, research-based process that uses scientific knowledge focused on issues and needs.
Who Are We?
VCE is a dynamic organization that stimulates positive personal and societal change, leading to more productive lives, families, farms and forests, as well as a better environment in semi-urban and rural communities. VCE provides information to county residents and assists them in applying the results of scientific research and technological development in the fields of agriculture/horticulture; 4-H youth development; food, nutrition and health; and family and consumer sciences.
4-H Youth Development
- Engages youth (ages 5-18) in learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.
- Programs include: overnight and day camps, in-school and homeschool enrichment programs, community-based clubs and county, district, state, and national competitions and events.
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) SNAP-Ed
- Enhances and supports BOTH the community AND the individual by focusing on the family system.
- Programs focus on how to make healthier food choices and become better managers of available food resources for optimal health and growth
- Implement policy, system, and environmental changes in places like schools, retail stores, and farmers markets that accept SNAP benefits.
Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR)
- Program educates the public by focusing on sustainable agriculture and landscape management in an environmentally friendly manner.
- Offers pesticide applicator certification classes.
- Master Gardener course is offered to educate and equip volunteers with the knowledge, skills, and ability to better serve others in the community.
- The Smart Green Lawns program provides an individualized report to county homeowners on specific steps needed to improve their lawns in an environmentally responsible way.
Community Viability (CV)
- Partners with Virginia communities to promote and sustain vibrant economies, healthy and safe environments, and social well-being. We engage diverse audiences to deliver client-centered education, connect resources, and build partnerships.
Budget Summary
Funded Positions
Notable Changes
Personnel
- Workers Compensation Increase
- Increase Vacancy Savings
- Decrease in the Health Insurance Budget
- Increase to salary and fringe benefits
- Restore 10% of FY2021 budget reductions
Goals/Objectives
- Provide educational programs in Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) – ANR programs help sustain profitability of agricultural and forestry production, while protecting, preserving and enhancing the quality of land and water resources. (Service levels 2 and 3)
- Provide information and educational programs promoting environmentally sound landscaping and gardening practices. (Service levels 2 and 3)
- Educate families to stretch tight budgets, how to buy nutritious food options and how to prepare healthy food, with the goal of creating a culture of health. (Service level 1)
- Provide learning experiences that meet the needs of 21st century youth, families, and communities through 4-H Youth Development. (Service levels 2 and 3)
- Expand all virtual programming to meet the needs of our community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and into the future. (Service levels 1, 2, and 3)