ExtensionCutToTheQuick--Again

**V* G* <v*@yahoo.com>**

Hi All:
   I know this was a topic some years ago, but in Vermont, Virginia and likely other states, university cooperative extensions are again facing severe cuts, as state's slash budgets.
   University of Vermont Extension is slated for a $653,000 cut in its FY2009 budget (which will drain its reserves) then a $540,000 cut in FY2010. So by the end of January we will know which jobs and programs will dissolve next July. The two-year total is equal to its annual operating budget and the equivalent of a 24 percent reduction.
   Among its many resources that benefit gardeners (and garden writers) in addition to a strong Master Gardener program are: renowned perennial expert Leonard Perry, multi-state organic apple growing research, hardy grape and wine-grape growing trials, a youth horticulture program, 4-H, a grain growing revival that includes varieties developed by the famed botanist Cyrus Pringle...plus many agricultural, forestry, community development, nutrition and environmental programs and specialists.
   Meanwhile, even UVM Extension doesn't yet seem to realize that many of the other line-item state budget cuts will affect Extension's other grant programs in specialized areas.
   As I track this story unfolding in the new year, I'd like to include comparisons to other states.
   The only thing I've found so far is a 2 December article saying that the Virginia governor cut two positions and $2.3M from its cooperative extension so far with more cuts coming. We always hear that other states are worse off than we are, but I'd like specifics.
   Ironically it is in hard times that Extension's trusted services such as teaching gardening, budgeting, farm viability planning, canning and freezing become most popular. 
   If writers in other states will be following this tale (I know some garden writers have also been Extension specialists and many are Master Gardeners), we can compare notes here on the listserv.
   If this is not a thread you want to pursue, please contact me offline if you have similar news of your state and would like to hear the outcome of our cuts.
Wishing you frugality in the new year,
Cheryl Dorschner
vermontgardener@yahoo.com

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