Smith lever funding supports salaries and operations for umass extension, whose mission is to improve health, well-being, and security for youth, families, and communities; conserve natural resources;…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded the University of Massachusetts $5.802 million under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program (CFDA 10.511) on October 1, 2025, for a five-year period ending September 30, 2030.

The award funds salaries and operations for UMass Extension, which delivers educational resources, workshops, and training across eight focus areas: nutrition and health education programs statewide for youth and families; human resilience and adaptation assistance to citizens, municipalities, and businesses preparing for food supply, forest, water, and resource challenges; commercial horticulture and landscape management education; ecosystem integrity and environmental conservation practices for terrestrial, wetland, aquatic, and coastal systems; food safety and functionality training for growers and businesses in retail, schools, and childcare settings; sustainable agriculture and food systems public education; energy efficiency resources for municipalities, businesses, farms, and housing; and youth development through a 4-H volunteer network.

Work is performed in Hadley, Massachusetts. The University of Massachusetts passed through funding to the County of Barnstable as a sub-recipient for Smith-Lever Act capacity grant activities, with sub-award obligation dated May 5, 2026.

Smith lever funding supports salaries and operations for umass extension, whose mission is to improve health, well-being, and security for youth, families, and communities; conserve natural resources; and strengthen agriculture and food systems. Umass extension provides educational resources, workshops, and training across eight focus areas: (1) child, family, and community nutrition and health - nutrition education programs delivered statewide help youth and families build healthy habits in food choices, planning, resource management, and physical activity for healthier lives.(2) human resilience and adaptation - we assist citizens, municipalities, and businesses in preparing for challenges to food supply, forests, water, and other resources, promoting practices that protect farms, rivers, and ecosystems. (3) commercial horticulture and landscape management - educational programs help individuals and businesses manage landscapes and horticulture profitably and sustainably, increasing knowledge and skills for environmentally sound practices.(4) ecosystem integrity and environmental conservation - we promote management practices that conserve terrestrial, wetland, aquatic, and coastal ecosystems, enabling informed decisions and actions to protect natural resources. (5) food safety and functionality - programs help growers and businesses meet safety standards in retail, schools, and childcare settings, reducing foodborne illness and other hazards through improved knowledge and practices. (6) sustainable agriculture and food systems - public education addresses production techniques, urban agriculture, and strategies to expand food capacity while ensuring environmental sustainability and economic viability. (7) energy supply and production - we provide resources to improve energy efficiency for municipalities, businesses, farms, and housing, collaborating with state agencies to enhance long-term energy sustainability. (8) youth development - a netwo RK of 4-h volunteers offers leadership training, life skills, recreation, and service opportunities through clubs and partnerships, helping youth become effective communicators, team members, and leaders.