Dobbins Returns to ECOP

The ASRED has named Tom Dobbins (pictured left), Associate Dean of Outreach and Engagement, and Director of Cooperative Extension, Clemson University, to complete a term on the ECOP and the Program Committee that ends later this year. Dr. Dobbins is experienced with the assignment as he served a full term from 2016 through 2019. His national service also includes appointments by ECOP as the Liaison to the Journal of Extension and the National Integrated Pest Management Coordinating Committee. To learn more, click here for his biography. Thank you, Dr. Dobbins!



Combatting Avian Influenza: A One Health Event - The current Avian Influenza crisis has impacted agriculture, wildlife, conservation, and public health and is a planetary issue. On May 16, 2024, 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET, the University of California Davis’ Grand Challenges and the School of Veterinary Medicine is holding an emergency consultation aiming to inform policy and inspire coordinated action on combating Avian Influenza. Through a One Health approach the organizers of the event will develop a pathway for cross-sector collaboration in infectious disease preparedness and response efforts by virtually bringing together members of academic, government, and private sectors to engage with, discuss the current situation, and learn from our collective pandemic preparedness and response expertise. The link to register is found here.

Health Infrastructure Survey Infographic - Thanks to the Extension Foundation, the results of Cooperative Extension’s Health and Well-Being Infrastructure Survey have now been published in this easy-to-read, visually appealing infographic. The survey was conducted in the fall of 2023 to document changes that have occurred in the Cooperative Extension’s capacity to support health-related programming over the last five years. More specifically, the survey tracked increases in internal and external funding for health-related work, changes in structure and staffing, work with community coalitions, and the health health topics most frequently addressed through our work. The study was conducted by the Center for Community Health and Evaluation at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle with funding provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. For more information, contact Roger Rennekamp, Extension Health Director, at rogerrennekamp@extension.org.



USDA Seeks Members for Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production - According to a recent press release, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. USDA will accept nominations until July 7, 2024. Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified individuals for membership, including self-nominations. The 12-member Committee, which first convened in March 2022, is part of USDA’s efforts to increase support for urban agriculture and innovative production. Members of the Committee provide input on policy development and help identify barriers to urban agriculture as USDA works to promote urban farming and the economic opportunities it provides in cities across the country. Membership composition is described here.