University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

What University of Georgia Cooperative Extension does

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is a public university extension service established in 1914 under the federal Smith-Lever Act, operating as a collaboration between the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS). It translates university research into practical, community-based education across all 159 Georgia counties, serving all 10.8 million state residents through a network of county-based agents, specialists, and trained volunteers. Core programming spans 4-H youth development (serving 8,000+ summer campers and 45,000+ environmental education participants annually), agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, food safety and nutrition, environmental education, and behavioral health.

The underlying technology platform is a web-based service delivery system comprising the extension.uga.edu website, publication portals, online registration, the MGLOG volunteer management tracking system, dedicated subdomain sites (radon.uga.edu, mental well-being portal, food science workshops), and YouTube video distribution. Proprietary assets include the UGA Radon Program with EPA grant funding, the NSF-funded Science Behind Our Food curriculum, FDA-aligned Better Process Control School and HACCP/PCQI food safety training, and the So Easy to Preserve publication. Laboratory capabilities support soil, plant tissue, water quality, animal waste, and radon testing.

The business model is predominantly publicly funded: federal USDA Smith-Lever funding, state appropriations through UGA, and county government matching contributions cover the core mandate of free research-based education. Ancillary revenue streams include fee-based training and certifications (ServSafe at $150), unit-priced 4-H summer camp registrations ($425-$475), publication sales (So Easy to Preserve book at $49.95), and small-ticket workshops (equine nutrition at $10/session). Go-to-market is community-led through 159 county offices, supplemented by self-serve digital channels and event-driven youth programming. There are no publicly disclosed revenue figures, no venture funding, and no IPO activity, consistent with the entity's status as a government state entity under the University System of Georgia.

Name

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Legal name

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Website

https://extension.uga.edu

Company type

Public

Founded year

1914

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is a public land-grant extension service that delivers research-based education across all 159 Georgia counties, serving 10.8 million residents through 4-H youth development, agriculture, food safety, nutrition, and behavioral health programs via county offices, agents, and digital platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cooperative Extension Education

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs (EDAAAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Regional Education Service Agencies (ESAs/BOCES/Intermediate Units) (EDADABAC)

Keywords

• Agricultural extension services
• Youth development programs
• Food safety training
• Cooperative extension education
• Family consumer sciences

Headquarters

HQ city

Athens, Georgia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Public Funding (Federal, State, County): UGA Extension is funded through a collaborative partnership between the University of Georgia (College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and College of Family and Consumer Sciences), federal USDA funding, Georgia state appropriations, and county government contributions. This public funding model supports the organization's mission to provide research-based education at no cost to Georgians.
2. Training and Certification Fees: Fee-based programs including ServSafe Manager Certification training ($150 for one-day course), various food safety certification programs, and professional development workshops. Revenue supports program delivery costs while maintaining accessibility.
3. Youth Development Programs: Summer camp registrations (ranging from $425-$475) for 4-H camps at various 4-H centers across Georgia including Rock Eagle, Fortson, Burton, Wahsega, and Jekyll Island.
4. Publication Sales: Sale of educational publications and resources including the So Easy to Preserve book ($49.95) covering food preservation techniques, and other extension bulletins and circulars.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension delivers research-based, non-formal education to Georgia residents through a statewide network of 159 county offices and specialists at the University of Georgia. Its offerings span 4-H youth development, agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, food safety certification, nutrition education, radon testing, soil and water analysis, financial literacy, and healthy relationship programming. The institution partners with USDA-NIFA, the University System of Georgia, and Georgia counties to translate university research into practical, locally delivered programs.

Product overview

UGA Cooperative Extension is a collaboration between the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, operating through county offices in all 159 Georgia counties to translate science for everyday living. The Extension offers an extensive portfolio of educational programs and services organized around topic areas including 4-H Youth Development, Animal Production, Environment & Natural Resources, Money/Family & Home, Field Crops/Forage & Turfgrass, Food & Health, Fruit/Vegetable & Ornamental Production, Lawn/Garden & Landscapes, and Weeds/Diseases & Pests. Key programs include ServSafe food safety training, Soil and Water Testing Services, the Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program, Prevent Type 2 Diabetes lifestyle change programs, School Garden Curriculum aligned with Georgia educational standards, the Master Naturalist environmental education program, radon testing and mitigation education, ELEVATE couples education workshops, SNAP-Ed nutrition education, EFNEP food and nutrition assistance, Mental Well-being behavioral health resources, and Science Behind Our Food curriculum for high schools. Publications include the So Easy to Preserve food preservation guide, radon safety circulars, and various bulletins covering agriculture, health, and family topics. The Extension also provides online resources through dedicated subdomain sites for radon education, mental well-being, and food science workshops.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 4-H Youth Development: Youth development program focusing on leadership, citizenship, and life skills
• Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
• Soil and Water Testing Services
• ServSafe Training
• UGA Radon Program
• UGA Extension Mental Well-being

Products and services

• 4-H Youth Development County and statewide 4-H programming covering county and club meetings, environmental education, livestock programs, project achievement, and summer camp for K-12 youth across Georgia.
• 4-H Summer Camp Residential camp experiences offered through five Georgia 4-H centers: Rock Eagle, Fortson 4-H Center, Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island, Wahsega 4-H Center, and Jekyll Island 4-H Center.
• Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program Trained volunteer program that educates Georgians about horticulture and environmental stewardship through county-level Master Gardener chapters.
• Master Naturalist Program Volunteer certification program providing Georgians with field-based environmental education in ecology and natural resource management.
• 4-H Environmental Education Day and overnight environmental education for school groups at Jekyll Island 4-H Center, Burton 4-H Center, Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Fortson 4-H Center, Wahsega 4-H Center, and Tybee Island Marine Education Center.
• Pesticide Safety Education Program Educational program delivering pesticide applicator training and certification support for Georgia agricultural producers and applicators.
• UGA Radon Program Education, outreach, and testing services that help Georgians understand radon exposure and reduce lung cancer risk through testing and mitigation resources.
• Radon Testing Services Short-term (2-7 days) and long-term (90-365 days) radon test kits distributed by UGA Extension offices and analyzed by participating laboratories.
• Soil and Water Testing Services Analytical testing for soil, plant tissue, water quality, animal waste, and feeds and forages offered by the Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratory at UGA.
• School Garden Curriculum K-8 garden-based lessons aligned to Georgia Performance Standards in math, science, social studies, and health, delivered through school partnerships and the Great Georgia Pollinator Census.
• Prevent Type 2 Diabetes CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program year-long lifestyle change course for adults at risk of Type 2 diabetes.
• Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Federally funded nutrition education for limited-resource families, including EFNEP for Adults and EFNEP for Youth, delivered through county FACS agents.
• SNAP-Education (SNAP-Ed) Nutrition education and obesity-prevention programming for SNAP-eligible Georgians, delivered through county Extension offices and partners such as the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
• Walk-a-Weigh Behavior-change weight control and physical activity program offered through county FACS agents.
• Eat Healthy, Be Active Nutrition and physical activity community initiative developed through UGA Extension and partner educators.
• UGA Extension Mental Well-being Behavioral health initiative providing online and in-person programming on stress, parenting, relationships, and child well-being for Georgians.
• ELEVATE Couples Education Relationship education program for Georgia couples offered through FACS agents as part of the Healthy Relationship Education Training suite.
• Healthy Relationship Education Training One-day training for professionals working with youth or adults on healthy relationships, including research-based curricula and facilitation skills.
• Homebuyer Education Course HUD-approved pre-purchase homebuyer education course offered in partnership with eHomeAmerica, providing certificates recognized by down-payment assistance programs.
• UGA Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Free tax return preparation for low- and moderate-income Georgians delivered through IRS VITA-certified volunteers at county extension offices.
• ServSafe Training National Restaurant Association ServSafe food safety manager and employee certification courses delivered through 25 county-based FACS educators across Georgia.
• Starting a New Food Business in Georgia Two-day workshop on regulatory basics and food safety for Georgia entrepreneurs starting food businesses, led by UGA Center for Food Safety faculty and graduate students.
• Science Behind Our Food Three NSF-funded (DGE0229577) high school science curriculum modules connecting food science concepts with Georgia Performance Standards, developed by UGA Center for Food Safety faculty.
• Clemson/UGA Equine Nutrition Series Three-week equine nutrition education series jointly offered by Clemson Cooperative Extension and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.
• So Easy to Preserve 388-page consumer food preservation reference book (6th edition) authored by UGA Extension food science specialists Elizabeth L. Andress and Judy A. Harrison, sold at $49.95 plus shipping.
• Building Radon Safe Consumer guide on building radon-resistant new homes, authored by UGA Extension Radon Education Program staff.
• Radon Mitigation Dos and Don'ts Consumer radon mitigation guidance circular authored by Uttam K. Saha and the UGA Radon Education Program.
• Radon in Your Water Consumer circular addressing radon in private well water, written by Uttam K. Saha and published through the UGA Radon Education Program.
• Safe at Home: Preventing Lung Cancer by Reducing Radon in the Home Consumer circular on lung cancer risk from household radon, published through the UGA Radon Education Program.
• Georgia Green Landscape Steward Program Statewide volunteer certification and class series teaching sustainable landscaping practices for Georgia homeowners and professionals.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92% of EFNEP participants reported eating more fruits and vegetables after completing the program
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental DisabilitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through the UGA Extension Mental Well-being initiative providing research-based education on behavioral health topics in partnership with state agency to meet local community mental health needs.
• Georgia Department of AgriculturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on agricultural wellness programs, farm stress assistance, and opioid abuse prevention targeting rural Georgia farming communities.
• Georgia Agricultural Wellness AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-organization alliance focused on farmer mental health, stress management, and suicide prevention in agricultural communities.
• Georgia Farm BureaucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing mental health resources and stress management programs for Georgia farmers and farm families.
• eHomeAmericaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline homebuyer education platform through which UGA Extension's HUD-approved housing counseling services are delivered to Georgia residents.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUGA Radon Education Program is funded by the EPA State Indoor Radon Grant Program, supporting radon awareness, testing, and mitigation education across Georgia.
• National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCertification body for radon mitigation professionals; UGA Extension recommends NRPP-certified mitigators to Georgia homeowners seeking radon reduction services.
• National Radon Safety Board (NRSB)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCertification body for radon professionals; UGA Extension recommends NRSB-certified mitigators to Georgia homeowners.
• Fort Valley State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorically black land-grant university partner collaborating with UGA Extension on programming, particularly for EFNEP and reaching diverse populations across Georgia.
• Georgia Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with K-12 schools to deliver Science Behind Our Food curriculum, 4-H school clubs, environmental education, and other youth programming aligned with Georgia Performance Standards.
• Clemson UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint equine nutrition series with Clemson University Extension providing cross-state programming for horse owners in Georgia and South Carolina.
• National Restaurant AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership using ServSafe program for food safety training and certification of Georgia foodservice industry managers.
• Georgia Restaurant AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-level partnership supporting ServSafe food safety training and certification for Georgia's restaurant and foodservice industry.
• Georgia Department of AgriculturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Produce Safety Alliance Grower Trainings and other food safety programming for produce growers in Georgia.
• FDA (Food and Drug Administration)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFDA-aligned food safety programming including Better Process Control School for acidified foods meeting FDA/FSMA requirements.
• 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership promoting national crisis hotline resources through UGA Extension mental health and farm stress programming.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Cornell Cooperative Extension: Cornell's land-grant cooperative extension serves New York State through a similar county-based, research-driven model. Directly comparable in mission, funding structure (Smith-Lever + state + county), and program areas (agriculture, 4-H, family & consumer sciences).
• NC State Cooperative Extension: North Carolina's land-grant extension delivers research-based education through county centers, with overlapping programs in agriculture, food safety, and 4-H. Directly comparable in mission, structure, and Southeastern U.S. focus.
• Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: Iowa's land-grant extension provides research-based programming across all 99 counties with comparable programs in agriculture, food safety, youth development, and family sciences. Strong structural peer for funding and delivery model comparison.
• UF/IFAS Extension: University of Florida's land-grant extension serves all 67 Florida counties with parallel agriculture, family/consumer sciences, and 4-H programming. Comparable in coastal/regional focus and program breadth across a similar population scale.
• Ohio State University Extension: Ohio's land-grant extension operates statewide with parallel programming in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H youth development. Comparable in scale and structure to UGA Extension.
• Clemson Cooperative Extension: South Carolina's land-grant extension already partners with UGA Extension (Clemson/UGA Equine Nutrition Series). Directly comparable land-grant mission, county-based delivery, and active cross-state programming partnership.
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Texas's land-grant cooperative extension serves all 254 counties through similar agriculture, family sciences, and 4-H programming with comparable federal/state/county funding. One of the largest direct peers by scale and structure.
• Purdue Extension: Indiana's land-grant extension provides county-based research dissemination across agriculture, 4-H, and health/wellness topics. Directly comparable operating model with similar federal/state funding backbone.
• Penn State Extension: Penn State's land-grant extension operates statewide with parallel research-to-community delivery, including food safety, agriculture, and youth development programs. Directly comparable in scale, mission, and partnership structure with UGA Extension.
• Michigan State University Extension: Michigan's land-grant extension delivers research-based education through county offices with overlapping programming in agriculture, food safety, youth development, and family health. Directly comparable mission and delivery model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/UGAExtension
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ugaExtension
• Facebookfacebook.com/UGA.Extension
• Instagraminstagram.com/ugaextension
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ugaextension

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about University of Georgia Cooperative Extension