The URI college of the environment and life sciences (cels) is the home of rhode island's agricultural experiment station (AES) and cooperative extension (extension)

URI's land grant programs address a wide range of national and international issues, with an emphasis on the needs of our state. Our extension programs seek to improve rhode islanders' quality of life, their livelihoods, and the health of our natural environment, with special attention to local problems. Agriculture and food systems - strengthen rhode island's food and agricultural systems by increasing rhode islanders' capacity to grow, process and provide safe and nutritious food, and to better manage wild fisheries in rhode island and abroad. Local to global environmental change - expand capacity for individuals and communities to address environmental challenges of land stewardship, water resource protection, forest management, and sustaina BLE energy consumption and production. Human and environmental health - strengthen the ability of rhode islanders to take actions that promote healthy lifestyles and result in improved nutrition and physical activity, reduced risk of vector-borne diseases, and improved physical, social, and emotional health. Youth, family, and community development - improve the physical, social, and emotional well-being of rhode island's youth population by expanding activities, events, and educational experiences related to science and technology, leadership, life skills, and healthy living. Outcomes/deliverables include: provide education and technical assistance to fruit and vegetable producers on topics of insect control, variety trial results, and basic farm management. Provide food safety education to food service workers and growers as well as consumers (safe food handling and food preservation practices). Provide technical assistance and training for the commercial fishing industry. Provide technical assistance to communities around stormwater and nonpoint source pollution. Provide nutrition education to youth and adults across rhode island, with the goal of improved health through physical activity and better food choices. Share and collect information about tick identification, bite prevention, and the p revalence of tick-born illness in new england. Develop and implement in person and virtual programming for youth in order to support them in life skill development. Examples include workshops, fairs, virtual communications events, art exhibits, and science cafes.