CCEUC offers Ulster County.....

Direct access to unbiased research-based information and practical education programs that:

• Address priority County needs, as identified by community leaders and citizens

• Tackle complex societal issues, with demonstrated impacts that benefit Ulster County families, communities and businesses

• Are cost effective, reducing much higher costs of remediation, mandated services and crisis management

Why is County funding essential to Cornell Cooperative Extension?

• Since 1913, Cornell Cooperative Extension has been a unique partnership between federal, state and county governments and the land grant universities, for the benefit of Ulster County residents.

• The NYS enabling legislation requires County funding in order for state and federal funds to be accessed.  Without County funding, Cooperative Extension cannot exist.  In addition, Cooperative Extension has been designated as the recipient of several federal USDA grant programs, including nutrition education.  Without Cooperative Extension, the County will be unable to access those programs.

• Our local tax dollars are used to directly benefit our community. Cooperative Extension's research and education is available to all Ulster County residents.

• Cooperative Extension addresses important County needs and concerns that are not being met by any other organization.  For example, mandated training and credentialing programs for employees of agriculture and horticulture are unique to Extension, as are programs teaching animal husbandry to youth.

Why is Cornell Cooperative Extension an excellent return on investment?

• Cooperative Extension's programs are locally determined.  Extension works in partnership with the County and community to identify and address priority Ulster County needs.

• Cooperative Extension provides quality programs that yield greater impacts at lower costs, due to Cornell resources, staff expertise, additional funding sources, and economies of scale.

• For every dollar of County funding, an additional $4 is leveraged from other sources. Cooperative Extension is unique in its ability to leverage resources in ways others cannot.

• Volunteers greatly extend Extension's resources and programs, contributing over 17,745 hours, conservatively valued at $360,000 - the equivalent of more than 10 full-time employees.

• Cooperative Extension's research and education positively impacts the competitiveness and viability of local businesses and the efficiency and capacity of local governments, strengthening our economy and the quality of life for County residents.  Cooperative Extension provides training and information to local businesses and local governments that they otherwise could not afford.