Cornell Cooperative Extension is a key outreach system of Cornell University with a strong public mission and an extensive local presence that responds to needs in New York communities. This network of Cooperative Extension associations enable people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work. The national network of Cooperative Extension programs began in 1914 as a means of applying land-grant university research in understandable and useful ways to farmers and rural families. Today, Cooperative Extension serves urban, suburban, town and rural areas by offering programs in five broad areas: Agriculture & Food Systems; Children, Youth, & Families; Community & Economic Vitality; Environment & Natural Resources; and Nutrition & Health. Each county's Cooperative Extension association is independent and serves the needs of the county in which it is located. CCE-Tompkins actively seeks input from diverse interests and groups in the community. While the organization is independent, we work cooperatively with other counties and at the state level. If you are interested in how CCE-Tompkins sets policies and program priorities, please contact our Executive Director.