Farm Advisor

Functions & Activities

Established in 1914, cooperative extension is the informal, off-campus educational and outreach arm of the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).

Advisors, Staff & Specialists

County-based advisers and staff interact with specialists at the University of California (UC) and agricultural extension research centers across the state to deliver research and practical information from the university to clientele and the public. They also act as the link to university resources for assistance with local agricultural and natural resource issues and youth and community development.

Current Memorandum of Understanding

Cooperative Extension programs are supported by the federal, state, and county governments in addition to grants for special projects. The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) has been an important part of Plumas and Sierra counties since 1946. The current memorandum of understanding (MOU) between UCCE and Plumas and Sierra counties was approved in May of 1976.

Cooperative Extension Program Funding

The university pays the salaries and benefits of UCCE employees and provides some monetary support for workgroup activities plus office internet access and email support. 

3:1 Return Investment

Based upon an established formula in the MOU, Sierra County reimburses Plumas County for 20% of the direct operating costs from the previous fiscal year plus related indirect costs for the local cooperative extension office. Most grants secured by staff are held in university accounts. Plumas County contributes about 27% of our total budget yielding almost $3 return in services to local residents for each $1 budgeted from Plumas County.