Research and extension initiatives conducted by uconn extension align with one or more of our four identified critical issue areas

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded the University of Connecticut $4.73 million on October 1, 2025, under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program (CFDA 10.511), a formula grant supporting cooperative agricultural extension activities at land-grant institutions.

UConn Extension conducts research and extension initiatives aligned with four critical issue areas: sustainable agriculture and food supply; enhancing health and well-being; sustainable landscapes across urban-rural interfaces; and adaptation and resilience to changing weather. The extension delivers hands-on skills training, workforce development, disaster education and resilience programming, support for new and beginning farmers, community development initiatives, integrated pest management, Master Gardener programs, and 4-H activities. UConn Extension offers over 400 learning events and programs annually in Connecticut, many in partnership with statewide organizations, and provides publications and expertise to create social, environmental, and economic impacts linked to community needs.

The award funds work performance in Connecticut from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. The University of Connecticut's Office Sponsored Programs, operating as a child entity within the university's research administration structure, administers the award. As a formula grant under the Smith-Lever program structure, funds are obligated to eligible land-grant institution applicants meeting administrative and programmatic requirements established by NIFA.

These are: (1) sustainable agriculture and food supply; (2) enhancing health and well-being; (3) sustainable landscapes across urban-rural interfaces; and (4) adaptation and resilience to a changing weather. Our teams work collaboratively to address the critical issue areas based on stakeholder input. Extension is committed to initiatives and strategies to reach all communities in each program area. We engage with community members, stakeholders, and advisors to provide greater reach. Extension's place-based perspective allows US to plan and implement locally relevant programs with and for connecticut residents and create social, environmental, and economic impacts linked to real needs. Our educators understand the unique challenges that connecticut faces and CO-create science-based solutions for critical issues with those communities. Extension programs, publications, and expertise provides hands-on skills training opportunities, workforce development, improved economic viability, increased resiliency, and enhanced health and well-being. At uconn, we participate in national programs, including 4-H, integrated pest management, and master gardeners, while also develo ping unique local programs, including those focused on disaster education and resilience, programming for new and beginning farmers, and community development initiatives. Extension offers over 400 learning events and programs in connecticut each year, and many are in partnership with other statewide organizations.