During a Special Council Presentation on April 23, 2014, Vice Mayor Stephen Shelley handed over the proceedings to Ms. Teresa Olczyk, County Extension Director & Extension Agent IV at University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Miami-Dade County Extension, where she proceeded to recount the high-water marks of this important organization over the past century.
The University of Florida/IFAS Miami-Dade County Extension, which is celebrating its centennial, is the liaison between agricultural research conducted by scientists at the University of Florida and other universities and our local community. The clients that the partnership serves include growers (agriculture & horticulture), the landscaping industry, homeowners, families and the marine industry. Throughout the year, their outreach efforts are focused through workshops, seminars, video conferencing, newsletters and field demonstrations to name just a few of the ways they connect with their colleagues and the community at large.
“For 100 years, the original mission of Extension, ‘taking the university to the people’ and ‘helping people to help themselves’ has remained constant,” said Ms. Olczyk. “Extension not only works with farmers, but also with more urban and diversified audiences using modern technologies. I would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers that we depend on that donate their time extending their educational outreach to their respective communities.”
“The history of the Miami-Dade County Extension is linked to the agricultural history of Homestead. This organization is fueled by a dedicated and experienced group of professionals and employees who collaborate, plan and develop successful educational programs which help the most populous and demographically diversified county in Florida,” said Vice Mayor Shelley. “We wish them another hundred years of continued success.”
It was then proclaimed, May 8, 2014, UF/IFAS Miami-Dade County Extension Centennial in Homestead, Florida.
