Our Mission
To create, adapt, and extend research-based knowledge related to agriculture, natural resources and the environment, people and communities to enhance the economic and social well-being of Californians.
The University of California Cooperative Extension is a unique and very successful institution that brings together federal, state, and county governments into a voluntary cooperative partnership to provide the citizens of Tulare County access to University of California educational and research programs. As part of the University of California, we seek solutions to local problems by developing ways to apply research-based knowledge in the areas of agriculture and natural resources, youth development (4-H), food and nutrition, family development, and financial management.
Established in 1918, Cooperative Extension has played a critical role in keeping agriculture, Tulare County's number one industry up-to-date and productive. Assistance has been provided to governmental agencies in dealing with difficult environmental issues. Several thousand young people have gained valuable life skills from our 4-H Youth Program and have become productive citizens and leaders in our communities. Thousands of adults have benefitted from our educational programs to strengthen families and improve their nutrition and well-being.
Instead of teaching students in university classrooms, Cooperative Extension advisors work directly with people in your community. Our programs are available to all without discrimination.
What is Cooperative Extension?
Cooperative Extension, a branch of the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) serves Tulare County through a unique partnership between the county, UC ANR, and the US Department of Agriculture.
Cooperative Extension Advisors in Tulare County are links in the extension of knowledge from UC Davis, UC Berkeley, and UC Riverside. Subject matter specialists located on these Land Grant campuses and local research centers collaborate with the county-based advisors to identify and solve local problems through our research and educational programs.
Cooperative Extension clientele are county growers, youth, families, agencies, policy makers and the general public. Our programs in Plant and Animal Science, Natural Resources, Community and Youth Development, Nutrition, Family and Consumer Sciences, are designed to meet the needs of our county residents.
Our History
The Land Grant University and Cooperative Extension were established under the Morrill Act of 1862 and Smith-Lever Act of 1914. Cooperative Extension has serviced Tulare County since 1918 and strives to continue to meet the evolving needs of the county’s citizens.