Extension Today

Good stewardship of natural resources is necessary to ensure environmental sustainability for future generations. Alabama Extension’s E-waste Management Education Program (EMEP) focuses on enhancing environmental sustainability by improving the management of electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste is a broad term encompassing discarded electronic goods. It is also a rapidly growing waste stream that compromises natural resources in numerous ways (Dissanayake, 2014).

In 2019, the United States generated 7.6 million tons of e-waste, according to the Global E-Waste Statistics Partnership. The Environmental Protection Agency expects this amount to rise with greater use of digital technology. E-waste is expected to double worldwide between 2014 and 2030 to around 74.7 metric tons.

Unfortunately, the carbon footprint of new electronics is an essential source of greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. Manufacturing new electronics from raw materials releases roughly 2.9 metric tons of carbon for each ton of electronics manufactured. Processes like mineral mining and transportation are also huge contributors (Singh and Ogunseitan, 2022).

Although there are policies to help companies, more must be done to help consumers understand how e-waste management impacts environmental sustainability since only 15% of e-waste is recycled. For example, recycling raw materials from e-waste saves precious resources like gold and copper. When the public chooses to recycle, e-waste components are collected, processed and prepared to sell to various markets. All in all, recycling electronics prevents environmental degradation, reduces solid waste, conserves natural resources and creates local green jobs.

Alcorn State University's Extension Service offers a hands-on learning experience in urban vegetable gardening through its School Gardening Program.

Students are directly involved in preparing raised garden beds, which are essential for successful crop growth. They also participate in seed sowing and caring for the plants as they grow. In the process, they learn to identify common garden pests and diseases, crucial for maintaining healthy plants.

Additionally, students learn to assess and manage soil pH, an essential factor in optimizing plant health and yield. The program also introduces them to different production systems, giving them a holistic understanding of modern gardening practices.

The ASU Extension further enriches this learning by organizing hands-on field workshops and classroom demonstrations, providing students with practical knowledge and skills in vegetable production. These sessions cover everything from seed selection and planting techniques to soil management and pest control, ensuring students are well-equipped to grow successful crops. This comprehensive program equips students with practical skills they can apply to grow their own vegetables and share with their communities, contributing to urban agriculture and sustainable food production.

Central State University is Extension thrilled to announce its newly certified Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program, approved by the Ohio State Board of Nursing. This certification elevates the program, enabling participants to apply to the state to become certified CHW workers, potentially increasing their wages and career opportunities.

The program, which previously awarded certificates, now meets stringent state standards. This marks the first certified cohort, a significant advancement from past offerings. The new certification enhances participants’ credentials, boosting their employability and potential earnings. Certified CHWs are vital members of health care teams, providing critical support, fostering trust and facilitating communication within communities.

The next cohort begins in January 2025 with registration opening in November 2024. The program trains individuals to become trusted health advocates, offering access to health and community resources through education, outreach, home visits, mentoring and referrals. Applicants must be 18 years or older and have a GED or high school diploma.

The program is led by Renita Porter, Extension family and consumer sciences (FCS) program leader, with Brandie Duncan, director of financial operations, and Dr. Karen Mathews, executive director of the Central State University Health and Wellness Center, who have been instrumental in developing and pursuing this certification. The program was initiated with a grant from CareSource, a local health care company that continues to provide community support for the program.

Porter explains, “CHWs are trained advocates in communities, where they are connected by culture, language or residence.”

For more information, contact Porter at rporter@centralstate.edu or (937) 376-6568.

As urban farming gains momentum across the United States, the need for Extension programs tailored to urban audiences becomes increasingly critical. In West Palm Beach, Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Cooperative Extension is addressing community well-being and food insecurity through its Urban Agriculture program.

Our initiatives, including community and school gardens, as well as backyard and patio/balcony gardens, are designed to increase access to fresh, healthy food, promote public health, foster a sense of community, and improve environmental quality. A standout example is the Roosevelt Middle School Garden Club, where seventh and eighth graders learn to grow vegetables and herbs from seed to harvest. This hands-on experience not only enriches their education but also provides residents with free, fresh produce.

Through these sustainable urban programs, we are working to eliminate food deserts, support new businesses, teach youth workforce skills, and encourage healthy eating and physical activity. The innovation and dedication of Extension professionals continue to drive positive change, enhancing the quality of urban life and fostering vibrant, resilient communities.

Excitement filled the air during the groundbreaking of a new Fort Valley State University (FVSU) facility designed to assist farmers and students in vegetable production practices through demonstrations, workshops and seminars.

More than 40 elected officials, Cooperative Extension personnel and local farmers attended the morning ceremony, celebrating the beginning of construction for the FVSU Cold Vegetable Processing Facility.

Chase Gregory, architect for Studio 8 Architects, said the 5,520-square-foot single-story building is designed to house industrial vegetable processing equipment.

“This equipment is for shelling, washing, grading, chopping or slicing, rinsing and then packaging fresh vegetables received from area farmers. The packaged produce can then be stored refrigerated or frozen until it can be received by the farmer or transported to the market. This equipment will be able to handle large quantities of produce in an efficient and safe manner - all in an air-conditioned and well-lighted facility,” Gregory said. It is scheduled to be constructed by spring 2025.

Dr. Mark Latimore Jr., associate dean for FVSU’s Cooperative Extension Program, said this is an opportunity to expand the horizons of Cooperative Extension services.

“Fort Valley can use this facility to help growers increase their profit base and also their marketing outlets. We can take it a step further and help farmers identify diseases and improve fertilization practices. There is a lot that can benefit growers,” Latimore said.

Moreover, the Extension administrator shared FVSU’s commitment to helping farmers become certified with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), adding value to their produce in preparation for grocers.

Langston University's (LU) Urban Youth Development Program, operated by the LU Cooperative Extension and Outreach Program (CEOP), collaborates with educators in the Oklahoma City Public School (OKCPS) district to train future health care professionals. Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), designed for aspiring health care professionals, is an international career and technical student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of the Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE).

With 60 schools and more than 30,000 students, half economically disadvantaged, LU CEOP-Urban Youth Development Program supports introducing youths to essential skills that ignite their passion for success in health care and beyond. HOSA members gain exposure to college campuses and engage in activities that enhance college and career readiness, public speaking, reading comprehension, telephone etiquette and student conduct.

Participants diligently practice these skills to compete at the annual international conference and to enable them to foster positive changes in their communities. Each fall, participants attend a leadership conference in Norman, Oklahoma, along with more than 2,000 youths. This exposure allows students to highlight the skills and knowledge acquired during the sessions.

David Duplisses, Dillon's father, said, "I am overjoyed to share that Dillon has emerged victorious, winning first place in the Health Career Prep category at this year’s HOSA International Leadership Conference! From ranking in the top 10 last year to now seizing the No. 1 spot, his growth and dedication shine bright. His ambition to become a biomedical engineer is a testament to his passion and drive."

Urban agriculture has surged in popularity due to health concerns, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing the vulnerabilities of our food supply chain. Prolonged droughts, flooding and extreme temperatures have further exacerbated food insecurity and market price fluctuations.

In response, communities have turned to sustainable solutions like urban agriculture and gardening to ensure access to fresh food and essential agricultural products, vital for many livelihoods and well-being. The Agricultural Economics and Marketing Program (AEMP) at Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) supports these efforts, providing training in gardening entrepreneurship and urban agriculture to Missouri's limited-resource communities.

Urban agriculture and gardening promote sustainable community development by increasing local food security, community involvement and healthy habits. They strengthen equity, inclusion and economic prosperity, improving overall community well-being. In 2020, AEMP launched a gardening entrepreneurship workshop series to educate stakeholders on producing agricultural products and accessing fresh local produce. During the pandemic, workshops were held virtually, transitioning to in-person sessions in 2022, focusing on harvesting, homesteading and conservation practices.

AEMP partnered with local nonprofits, including Missouri Catholic Charities and the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA), to enhance community impact. These collaborations provided hands-on gardening training, soil analysis and garden bed construction, empowering participants with practical skills. The Market Gardener Apprenticeship Program, supported by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production Grant, trained new urban gardeners in sustainable farming and agribusiness entrepreneurship.

Urban agriculture empowers limited-resource communities by increasing knowledge, promoting local prosperity and fostering independence. These initiatives enhance community engagement, climate resilience and nutritious local food production, contributing significantly to community sustainability.

Every year, Cooperative Extension at North Carolina A&T State University (N.C. A&T) convenes the Grassroots Leadership Conference (GLC), a one-day event to discuss local issues and develop strategies for positive change.

The last GLC, held in October 2023, marked the first time the conference was held in Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city. That meant a chance to reach out to urban communities and show how Extension programs promote positive change in cities, as well as on the farm.

With the theme of Promoting Economic Well-Being Through Grassroots Innovation, the conference focused on economic empowerment and innovation and how communities can find solutions that address local needs.

“In urban areas, the neighborhood is the grassroots level, and we want to show that people can make an impact there,” said Michelle Eley, Ph.D., community and rural development specialist with Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T. “Many of the same problems, such as food insecurity, affect these areas. As always, we want to empower people who haven’t been at the decision-making table and help them think about the issues important to them.”

The conference provided an opportunity to present Extension’s new Region for Urban and Underrepresented/Nontraditional Audiences, which targets urban and nontraditional communities such as Indigenous Americans and Latinos.

The Climate Smart Agriculture Field Demonstration held on Aug. 8 turned out to be a great success as it brought together the three mission areas of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) - academics, research and Extension.

This collaborative effort maximized synergy and linkages within the agricultural community. The workshop delved into various crucial topics in agriculture, such as using artificial intelligence (AI) and drones to monitor plant water and nutrient stresses to optimize crop yields. Attendees also had the chance to explore the advancements in organic fertilizers and engage with PVAMU researchers regarding the potential future applications of algae in agriculture.

The event, organized by Ali Fares, Ph.D., endowed professor, and Ashely James, M.S., program leader of the Agriculture and Natural Resources unit with PVAMU Extension, alongside their dedicated teams, provided an invaluable platform for sharing insights and fostering discussions on the latest sustainable agricultural practices.

South Carolina State Public Service and Agriculture (PSA) is set to lead statewide initiatives bringing green spaces and urban forests to communities across South Carolina. With a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Urban Community Forestry program, SC State PSA will spearhead efforts to plant trees and establish urban forests in underserved communities in the Midlands.

The project includes two key components of urban forestry: agroforestry and urban agriculture. At the 1890 Research and Demonstration Farm, a long-term silvopasture agroforestry project is underway where rows of pine trees are planted with grass in between. Led by Dr. Joshua Idassi, sustainable agriculture and natural resources state program leader, the project will allow for livestock to graze in between trees and have shade in the warmer months.

The second component focuses on expanding urban forestry and agriculture over the next five years in 10 counties, beginning with Orangeburg, Calhoun and Bamberg County, aiming to plant nearly 350,000 trees and bushes, fruit-bearing and non-fruit-bearing, in low-income areas. Non-fruit-bearing trees in these communities will provide shade and sequester carbon. Fruit trees within the city limits will allow for fresh fruits and produce to be accessible to all.

“My hope is to instill in the next generation the desire to produce their own food, connecting them to the Earth and fostering a love for agriculture,” said Dr. Thomas Nyatta, urban agricultural scientist.

In New Orleans, urban agriculture is not just about growing plants; it's about growing the community. This was evident at the Southern University Ag Center’s container gardening workshop held in Crescent City on July 31.

The workshop featured a series of informative presentations and hands-on activities, each designed to empower attendees with practical skills and knowledge. Topics covered included vertical gardening, innovative garden design and effective pest management strategies. These sessions provided attendees with valuable insights into maximizing space, enhancing garden aesthetics, and ensuring the health and productivity of their plants.

Presenters included a plant nursery business owner and two former Southern University and A&M College professors. The presenters' deep knowledge and passion for urban agriculture were evident as they engaged with participants and answered questions. Their involvement added a layer of expertise that was greatly appreciated by all who attended.

The event was a success in every sense. With a wonderful turnout, the workshop provided a space for learning, networking and enjoying the company of like-minded individuals. Attendees were enthusiastic as we came together to explore the possibilities of growing vegetables, herbs and ornamentals in containers. Refreshments were served, and despite the immense heat of the day, everyone left with new insights, practical tips, a sense of accomplishment and a new plant.

For additional information about the event, contact Asha McIntyre, Orleans Parish area urban agriculture Extension agent for the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

The Tennessee State University College of Agriculture (TSUAg) continues to investigate best practices in urban wetlands sustainability practices at the dynamic Tiger Bay Wetlands research habitat on campus in downtown Nashville. The Tiger Bay Wetlands is an ever-changing wetlands environment just feet from the heart of TSUAg that serves as the epicenter of the college’s ongoing research on water quality in urban landscapes.

Urban wetlands sustainability research currently taking place at the Tiger Bay Wetlands includes studies on water quality, non-native invasive plant and animal species, and toxic algae blooms, but there are other projects as well. The environment provides multiple educational and research opportunities, providing students with a dynamic learning environment where they can collect data and water samples that they can take straight to the lab.

The sustainability of Tiger Bay’s surrounding forested environment is also being investigated and supported here at TSUAg, as TSUAg research faculty scientists and students are utilizing a U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service grant given to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to research methodology of combating extreme heat and climate change by planting trees.

This project will restore the forested wetland ecosystem, improve the ecosystem services that the wetland provides, and provide experiential learning opportunities. The grant is one of 385 grant proposals from entities working to increase equitable access to trees and nature, and the benefits they provide for cooling city streets, improving air quality, and promoting food security, public health and safety but one of only five awarded to an HBCU.

Tuskegee University Extension and the Carver Integrative Sustainability Center are on the cutting edge of urban agriculture with a hydroponic shipping container through the 1890 Center of Excellence for Farming/Food Systems, Rural Prosperity and Economic Sustainability. The shipping container is a mobile growing machine.

The Tuskegee University Urban Agriculture Innovation Center (TUAIC), in Montgomery, Alabama, is starting a program to educate a variety of audiences on the technical aspects of growing in a controlled environment and utilizing next-generation technology for crop monitoring and environmental control.

“The container has 88 panels where seedlings will be placed to grow,” said Dr. Harold Higgins, who oversees work at the TUAIC. “Each panel can hold from 20 to 40 plants depending on what plant we are growing. The system is designed for small green leafy plants, small root plants and small fruits, for example, collard greens and strawberries.”

The container is designed to work using an app that the freight farms designed. The app will take care of most of the technical aspects of growing the plants. The container is equipped with a 300-gallon tank, red and blue spectrum lights, and software to do the work that a person would do.

“We will invite the area students to come to the hydroponic shipping container to plant seeds. After the seeds germinate, they will come back and plant them in the panels. They will learn agricultural science and engineering in a controlled environment while also being able to take food home,” Higgins said.

To learn more about the TUAIC Hydroponics Shipping Container, see this video.

The State Street Good Earth Garden promotes sustainability in an urban growing space in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, according to Teki Hunt, director of 4-H youth development at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB).

“4-H supports the project by assisting with volunteer recruitment, directing volunteers, program promotion, supplying compost and providing produce for a farm stand,” Hunt said. “UAPB’s Department of Agriculture, Small Farm Program, the Lonoke Farm and Marianna Farm provide training and information as well as seedlings, sweet potato slips and organic garden soil.”

Audrey Long, a community leader and Master Gardener, is the garden manager, Hunt said. Organic matter is donated by people in the community.

“Audrey teaches volunteers the benefits of hügelkultur, vermiculture and using raised beds so participants do not have to bend down when working in the garden,” Hunt said. “She also makes arrangements for donated materials and writes grants to keep the garden going.”

Fruits, herbs and vegetables have been grown organically at the site since 2020, Long said. The focus is on using regenerative growing techniques to demonstrate low-cost gardening.

“Food is distributed to visitors at our free farm stand. In 2023, we served the equivalent of 2,000 meals,” Long said. “We emphasize upcycling and recycling. Everything in the garden has two or more uses. The more we keep out of our landfill, the better for us all.”

As the Asian American population grows across the U.S., there is an increasing demand for produce that fits its culinary preferences.

“Asian ethnic crops are well-suited for urban farmers who can cultivate them in limited spaces in order to supply fresh, organic produce to meet consumer demand,” said Dr. Naveen Dixit, an associate professor of horticulture and Extension specialist at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).

Such crops are especially appealing to small farmers on the Delmarva Peninsula as they can be marketed to metropolitan areas in neighboring states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

With financial backing from the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NE-SARE) Professional Development Program, Dixit began an Asian ethnic vegetable cultivation program at UMES. The university’s program focuses on researching and promoting the cultivation of three significant Asian crops: bitter gourd, bottle gourd and fenugreek.

“These crops hold considerable market potential. They can be grown in small spaces with high yields, making them ideal for small-scale farmers and urban growers,” Dixit said. Extensive trials were conducted on UMES research plots, complemented by Extension activities. Field days and in-person and online workshops were held to educate growers on cultivation practices and local markets.

“One of our farming clients in Somerset County, Maryland, a female military veteran, successfully cultivated bottle gourds and sold it weekly to a local grocery store,” Dixit said. “These crops also demonstrated resilience against local pests and diseases, allowing them to be grown without the need for expensive or harmful agricultural chemicals — an added benefit.”

In the world of small farming and food production, urban agriculture is often overlooked. Urban growers are ineligible for many federal programs that benefit larger or rural operations, and there has never been a consolidated effort to understand the needs of urban producers.

In 2023, Virginia State University's (VSU) Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP) was awarded a $3.4 million cooperative agreement, primarily from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA), to create the National Urban Ag Initiative (NuAg) to tackle this problem.

NuAg aims to provide tools, skills and policy recommendations to improve urban growers' access to and use of FSA and other USDA programs and services. VSU SFOP has the lead role in the NuAg project and formally kicked off NuAg with a national, sold-out conference in Detroit.

William Crutchfield, director of VSU's Small Farm Outreach Program, is passionate about connecting small and urban farmers to resources that can help them and increasing mutual understanding between growers and USDA staff. The conference provided an opportunity for mutual learning with more than 700 attendees representing NuAg's 27 pilot cities and Native tribes, urban ag directors from participating cities, federal officials and FSA state directors, including VSU alum and executive director of the FSA in Virginia, Dr. Ronald Howell.

"USDA personnel were receptive to listening to urban farmers and learning from them," Crutchfield reflected after the conference. "It was an excellent learning exchange from both sides of the house."

Virginia Cooperative Extension extends the resources of Virginia's two land-grant universities, Virginia State University and Virginia Tech, to solve problems facing Virginians every day.

The West Virginia State University (WVSU) Stinger Produce Market is significantly impacting communities in West Virginia by addressing food insecurity and promoting better health outcomes for residents. From June to October, the market offers fresh, locally sourced produce and aims to increase residents’ accessibility to nutritious foods.

The market features tomatoes, potatoes, corn, watermelon, berries, onions, cucumbers, squash, zucchini and more. In addition, the market plans to serve as a hub of resources, offering opportunities for individuals to learn about growing their produce, selling their harvest and preparing healthy meals. It aims to make healthy living more convenient through subscription boxes and educational programming.

“The market’s initiative also addresses food insecurity in West Virginia, where one in four rural residents faces challenges with accessing adequate food,” said WVSU Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator Lydia Roberts. “The market contributes to the state’s economy, reduces its carbon footprint and advocates for biodiverse farming methods by promoting sustainable practices and supporting local small-scale farmers.” Furthermore, the market distributes leftover foods to local organizations, expanding its impact and addressing food waste issues.

With plans to expand its operations and enhance accessibility by accepting various payment methods, the Stinger Produce Market is a positive force for promoting healthier lifestyles in West Virginia. By fostering a sense of community and providing educational resources, the market is making a significant difference in the lives of residents and contributing to a more sustainable food ecosystem.