About Us

The national Cooperative Extension Service was established by the Smith-Lever Act of 1914. It is a partnership between state land grant universities, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the county governments throughout the nation. All of these groups share in the planning, financing, and operation of Extension programs. In Florida, the Cooperative Extension Service is administered by the University of Florida.

UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County translates research into community initiatives, classes, and volunteer opportunities related to six core areas: 4-H youth development; agriculture; gardening and landscaping; natural resources; nutrition and healthy living; and sustainability. We provide practical education to build a better future.

Read our 2025 UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Annual Report to learn more about the many ways we work with you to make better lives and improve our communities. Or, view our 2026 (CY25) UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Focus and Impacts for a condensed version, including the myriad programs, projects and other ways we connect with you.