HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-129RESOLUTION NO. 10-129
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY 9, 2010,
THROUGH MAY 15, 2010, AS "ST. LUCIE
COUNTY EXTENSION AWARENESS WEEK"
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has
made the following determinations:
1. Created by the U.S. Congress because of concern for the education of the average citizen, the
Cooperative Extension Service system came into being with the passing of the Morrill Act, which provided for a
university in each state to provide education to citizens in agricultural and mechanical fields. These colleges are
known today as "Land-Grant Universities." Cooperative Extension Service now provides information on additional
topics such as finance, food safety, growth management, sustainability, natural resources, marine topics, along
with other areas which provide citizens with information to make informed decisions which result in an improved
quality of life.
2. Personal Hygiene and Food Safety for Citrus Produce Handlers, Worker Protection Standards, and
Pesticide Applicator training and certificates were provided to 59% of Indian River Citrus League member
companies, and area growers and harvesters, training 4,293 employees. These required training programs at a
monetary value of $214,650 make it possible for Treasure Coast area citrus growers, export packers and
processors to fulfill standards and audit criteria and ship their products to profitable overseas markets.
3. Extension Agents in conjunction with entomologists with the University of Florida Indian River Research
and Education Center and the Florida Division of Plant Industries, conducted transfer of Tropical Soda Apple
Beetles (TSA) to cattle ranchers in St Lucie County. Previously, Central Florida ranchers spent an average of
$19/acre to control TSA on the grazing lands. These amounts been reduced to approximately $9.50/acre in St
Lucie County equating to a $1.1 million savings as a result of reduced herbicide and mechanical control methods
that would have otherwise been employed by ranchers and grazing land managers in St Lucie County.
4. 4H is a component of Extension in which area youth learns leadership and life science skills and
contribute to Extension programs by dedicating the time, skills, talent, and expertise under supervision or
guidance by faculty. The calculation of the economic value of its trained volunteers' contribution to the community
has an economic impact of almost 15,945 volunteer hours or 7.6 full time employees yearly.
5. Extension Awareness Week culminates with the "Spring Into Gardening Festival" on Saturday, where
participants can purchase over 100 varieties of plants from the St. Lucie Master Gardeners and local plant
vendors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County,
Florida:
This Board does hereby proclaim May 9 - 15th, 2010 as "ST. LUCIE COUNTY EXTENSION
AWARENESS WEEK" in St. Lucie County, Florida.
2. This Board urges the citizens of St. Lucie County and visitors alike, to participate in the many
activities planned during the week of ST. LUCIE COUNTY EXTENSION AWARENESS WEEK.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 4th day of May, 2010.
ATTEST:
BOARD OF COlJNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE ~Ol1~ITY, ~LORIDA
CH 'IR AN
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM AND
CORREC?FNESS: .
LINTY AT'TrOR~VEY