Virginia’s Strategic Plan for Virginia Cooperative Extension

Increase the profitability and sustainability of Virginia’s commercial food, fiber, animal recreation, and green industries.
Prepare the agriculture industry for future opportunities and challenges in urban and rural environments.
Research and disseminate methods and recommendations to ensure that consumers have access to safe, high-quality agricultural products.
Develop and deliver programs to enhance agricultural literacy.
Interpret policy and legislation, identify opportunities, and provide training to comply with regulations that ensure farm profitability and environmental quality.

Support the management, use, and sustainability of Virginia’s natural resource capital for the benefit of future generations.
Provide natural resource and environmental education.
Provide educational resources to address urban/rural interface issues.
Provide education to conserve and protect Virginia’s surface and groundwater resources, including the Chesapeake Bay.
Develop and deliver programs in green energy/bioenergy.

Improve competencies of Virginia youth in the following life skills: knowledge, reasoning, creativity, personal, social, vocational, citizenship, health, and physical.
Develop supporting environments for 4-H youth development.
Design volunteer development systems that attract, retain, train, and energize youth and adult volunteers who are progressive and have an enduring commitment to youth.

Improve the health of Virginians through access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food.
Develop and deliver educational programs to increase the understanding and development of the social, cognitive, and physical capacities of Virginians.
Increase economic stability and decrease reliance on public services by improving youth and family financial literacy and security.

Assist communities in developing and strengthening local economies through entrepreneurship and small business development.
Develop and deliver educational programming to improve capacity among community members to engage in community planning, decision-making, and community leadership.

Implement the programming, local structure, and organizational structure from the 2010 Restructuring Plan.
Invest in the recruitment and development of a diverse group of VCE educators, specialists, and staff to ensure exceptional programming, services, and leadership that addresses Virginia’s needs.
Develop an effective internal and external communication system to inform and engage citizens, stakeholders, and partners.
Identify and secure public and private resources that support quality programming in the focus areas.