URI Cooperative Extension

Cooperative Extension provides non-formal education and learning opportunities to people throughout the United States — to farmers and other residents of rural communities as well as to people living in urban areas. It emphasizes taking knowledge gained through research and education and bringing it directly to the people to create positive changes. All universities engage in research and teaching, but the nation’s more than 100 land-grant colleges and universities have a third, critical mission — extension. The University of Rhode Island is one of these land-grant institutions, and through Cooperative Extension in RI, we bring vital, practical information to agricultural producers, small business owners,communities, consumers, families, and young people. We pride ourselves on our role in translating science for practical application, and are always looking to identify emerging research questions to which we find answers and encourage application of science and technology to improve agricultural, environmental, economic and social conditions.