The college of agriculture and natural resources (AGNR), of which the university of maryland extension (UME) is a part, has identified major program areas to address complex pressing challenges…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources $7.336 million under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program on October 1, 2025.

The award funds cooperative agricultural extension activities delivered through the University of Maryland Extension (UME) across four critical program areas: agricultural production and plant and animal health; food, nutrition, health, and wellness; natural resources and ecosystem health; and 4-H youth, family, and economic development. UME will conduct innovative applied research and deliver evidence-based information and technical assistance to farmers, foresters, families, youth, and communities throughout Maryland. Specific objectives include enhancing agricultural productivity and profitability, promoting natural resource stewardship and Chesapeake Bay protection, improving food safety and nutrition to reduce chronic disease, and preparing future leaders while strengthening families and financial success across the state. Integrated research and extension activities will also address natural hazard preparedness and mitigation and support new energy technologies.

Performance occurs at College Park, Maryland, with the period of performance running through September 30, 2030. This is a formula grant assistance type supporting joint cooperative extension programming at land-grant institutions under CFDA 10.511.

The college of agriculture and natural resources (AGNR), of which the university of maryland extension (UME) is a part, has identified major program areas to address complex pressing challenges impacting the well-being of maryland residents for FY 2026 that we will direct our smith-lever funding and resources towards accomplishing. Four critical areas: (1) agricultural production and plant and animal health; (2) food, nutrition, health, and wellness; (3) natural resources and ecosystem health; and (4) 4-H youth, family, and economic development. The proposed plan involves conducting innovative applied research and delivering evidence-based information and technical assistance to farmers, foresters, families, youth, and communities in maryland. Objectives: UME is focused on achieving a sweeping impact that makes a difference through outcomes benefiting maryland's farmers, agriculture industries, waterbodies, natural resources, food systems, families, communities, youth, and adults. UME programs aim to (1) enhance productivity and profitability of the agricultural sector, (2) promote management practices that steward natural resources, improve water quality, and protect the health of the chesapeake BAY and other ecosystems, (3) improve food safety, nutrition, and health, aiming to improve the well-being of maryland residents by reducing chronic diseases and increasing access to safe and nutritious food, and (4) prepare future leaders, strengthen families, and enhance financial success across the state. Integrated research and extension activities will help maryland prepare for and mitigate natural hazards, as well as support new energy technologies. UME strives to improve the well-being and prosperity of the state, its producers, commodity groups, consumers, and all residents. UME engages federal, state, and county-level stakeholders in dialogues, scans the environment for changing conditions, analyzes data from multiple trusted sources, and relies on the expertise and leadership of impact teams comprising field-based extension educators and specialists, campus-based extension specialists, and leading experts who guide program development and delivery. Methods: UME faculty and staff develop programs based on a thorough community needs assessment. Various stakeholders and advisory councils provide input and ongoing feedback during the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs. We gather input through both formal and informal methods, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews. We will continue collecting stakeholder feedback via face-to-face or virtual meetings, and websites and social media posts, state and local extension advisory council meetings, needs assessments across existing and new clientele of all program areas, community forums, listening sessions, strategic plan committees, volunteer feedback (e.g., 4-H, master gardener, master naturalists), involvement in civic organizations, and summits and symposia hosted and organized by AGNR. Input from maryland R esidents will also be solicited through the statewide extension advisory council (SEAC), program area, and county extension advisory councils. Our personnel will utilize various program delivery modes-including in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats-to conduct WOR kshops, webinars, and fieldwork. Additionally, we will employ indirect methods such as videos, social media posts, news media, fact sheets, publications, blogs, and outreach materials to address key issues. We will evaluate program effectiveness to assess the impact on knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, skills, and situations. Evaluation and feedback help US improve program planning, development, and implementation. We continue to collaborate with our stakeholders to foster positive change and prioritize efforts to shape the future.