News

Solutions 2009

Features

Water

   

From the safety of the drinking water in our homes; to the cleanliness of our creeks, streams, and rivers; to the health of the Chesapeake Bay, water quality is important to Virginians. Virginia Cooperative Extension is working on several fronts to improve and protect the quality of Virginia’s water.
“We have a multi-pronged approach to water quality in Extension,” says Jim Riddell, associate director for agriculture and natural resources. “Water quality is a complex issue, and there is no one answer that will solve all the problems. more...

Virginia 4-H for Life

   

Virginia 4-H attracts children and teens from many backgrounds, both rural and urban, and offers them a variety of experiences with caring adults to develop their life skills. According to Cathy Sutphin, Virginia 4-H associate director, studies show that 4-H members do better in school, are more motivated to help others, feel safe to try new things, achieve a sense of self-esteem, and develop lasting relationships. “4-H’ers are able to transfer their successes with 4-H to other parts of their lives,” more...

Food Safety, Its no Accident

   

In the early 20th century, Upton Sinclair’s novel, The Jungle, not only shed light on the exploitation of American factory workers, but it also led to a public outcry for government oversight of food inspection and certification. Today, the food safety debate rages on, as headlines highlight the latest food safety crisis – from peanut butter and spinach, to pistachios and tomatoes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 76 million people in the United States become sick with foodborne illnesses annually. Of those, 325,000 are hospitalized and 5,000 die. more...

Buying, Selling, and Enjoying Local Foods  - The Movement in Virginia

   

With the help of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the local foods movement throughout the commonwealth has gained momentum in support of Virginia agriculture.
“Extension agents and specialists in every program area are combining their talents and expertise to encourage producers to sell their foods in local markets, and consumers to buy local foods,” says Jim Riddell, assistant director of agriculture and natural resources and interim assistant director of community viability for Extension. “The local foods movement not only promotes green, sustainable agriculture, but also contributes to Virginia’s economy.” more...

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