Riverside County UC Cooperative Extension marks its 100th anniversary

For 100 years, UC Cooperative Extension has served the citizens of Riverside County by providing scientific research to farmers, teaching kids to be leaders through 4-H and offering nutrition guidance that makes the families throughout the county healthier.

On Nov. 12, UCCE puts the icing on the cake by bringing together key UC leaders, county supervisors, UC researchers, farm advisors and nutrition educators to provide perspective on the next century of Cooperative Extension in Riverside County.

“Back in 1914, the U.S. president and Congress realized that, to feed a great nation, ag research advances from top universities had to reach farmers,” said Eta Takele, the director of UCCE in Riverside County. “They made a bold move when they created Cooperative Extension, a program that revolutionized farming and communities. Over the years, we have worked side-by-side with farmers and their families to boost yields, maintain a safe food supply and protect natural resources.”

True to its form, UCCE is hosting an educational forum to mark the centennial. Presentations will run from 1 to 5 p.m. and cover such topics as the California drought, which is putting pressure on an agricultural industry in Riverside County that contributes $1.3 billion annually to the local economy. Director of the UC California Institute for Water Resources Doug Parker will explain how the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is responding to the crisis.

The statewide director of UCCE's 4-H and nutrition programs Constance Schneider will explain initiatives designed to reduce the alarming growth in overweight, obesity and Type 2 diabetes in California communities. In fact, the Riverside County's overweight and obesity rate is higher than average for California. Fourteen percent of Riverside County children ages 2 to 11 are overweight or obese and 36 percent of children 12 to 17 are overweight or obese.

Other speakers will address the UCCE working relationship with UC Riverside, new pest problems, issues related to waste management and the changing demographics of California. The program closes with a presentation on the future of UC Cooperative Extension by UCCE Vice Provost Chris Greer.

For more information, contact Eta Takele at (951) 683-6491, ettakele@ucanr.edu

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