and 13 Agricultural Research and bxtension Centers. Extension is

and 13 Agricultural Research and bxtension Centers. Extension is funded through the cooperative efforts of local, state, and federal governments. In addition, over 40,(XX) citizen volunteers contribute millions of hours every year helping identify and deliver needs-driven educational programs. Virginia Cooperative Extension: Provides educational programs to individuals, families, organizations, and communities in the four broad areas of: 1) agriculture and natural resources; 2) 4-11 youth development; 3) family and communitv sciences; and 4) food, nutrition, and health. Provides prompt access to unbiased, objective, research-based information and educational programs through an innovative network of human and technological resources. Collaborates with public and private partners to better utilize our resources, enhance our effectiveness, and reach a more diverse audience. Partners wj,th citizen-led Extension l eadership Councils throughout the state to identify kxal

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educational programs in agriculture and natural resources help sustain the profitability of agricultural and forestry production, while enhancing and protecting the quality of our land and water resources. Programming efforts address a broad range of issues and critical needs associated with 1) the production of livestock, kxxf crops, and forests; 2) financial and business management; 3) soil and water conservation; 4) wist' and sate use*of pesticides, 5) natural resource management; and <•*) rural economic development. Agriculture and Natural Resources Virginia's agricultural industry generates approximately 11 percent of Gross State Product and contributes to 11) percent of state employment. TimCly and pertinent Extension educational programs in agriculture and natural resources are delivered through a network of 107 county and city of fives Uvated throughout