Learning about Extension Around the World

Holy cow! Just trying to get a handle on 4-H in North Carolina can be dificult. Now imagine trying to get a handle on Extension around the world. This is what we struggle to do today as our conference begins. There are a few things I think I need to clarify and address as I start this. Cooperative Extension in North Carolina and across the United States includes certain types of program areas. These areas include an agriculture component, family and youth component componant. Of course the youth componant is 4-H. Although 4-H does exisit in many countries in Europe (also known as 4-D in some countries) is not not part of Extension. When referring to Extension in Europe it is Agriculture Extension, and Extension Science. It is set up differently in different countries and in some countries it is privatized, some operated as part of governmental systems, and some are a combination of outside funds and monies goverment, Which is leading to a Varity of ethical delimas. Also it is not Cooperative Extension, it is just working with a few people for quality education versus trying to get the message to a larger audience, the reasons have to do with geography, political areas, other political concerns, and many other things that we do not face in America on such a massive scale.

Dale was one of four presenters who kicked off the opening session of the conference. He presented a paper that he co-authored with Dr. Harriet Edwards about Volunteerism. The reactions to the paper were very interesting. Although Volunteerism is a common practice in the United States, it is not across Europe. In talking with our COLLEAGUES they wanted to know what motivated people to get training, do a job, and not Receive money for it. It leads to a variety of interesting discussions during the rest of the day and was an eye opener for me especially on different attitudes and cultures around the world.

In the afternoon session we broke out into different work groups. Each group heard a variety of papers. I sat in on a session Concerning organizational systems. One person presented on a Rural Cooperative efforts among countries to share information with farmers. Another illustrated the best organizational structure in Denmark and the trends and challenges they are facing within their organization Concerning their advisors (equivelant of agents in our structure). Another presenter spoke about innovative ways to work with farmers and motivated them to work together. Fabio, our host had asked people to be "Aggressive" with their questions and they were for the few moments our group was Able to take before the poster session began. To see more about the conference and photos you can check out the conference blog.

Dale, Cathy and I needed to get up and move so we took a little walk into the business section of town and sat down for refreshments. Anyone who reads this blog (or anything else I have written, or has spent anytime with me) knows I had a Coke Light while Dale and Cathy partook in cafe light and gelattos. Another collègue, Greg, from Malta joined us and we learned all about his small country Which is an island south of Sicily. The island is very small and the average farm size is about two acres. Only 10% of the farmers are full time farmers and the rest are hobby farmers grow food for their own use. He talked about the challenges he is facing back home and the differences in his system versus others around the world.

The four of us traveled to the Basilica and explored a little more before heading back inside to the conference center. It was not long before Carolyn joined us and said she had a "loooovvely day." Compain She was on the tour that went to Perugia, where they saw some historical sights, high fashion (according to Carolyn some of the people even looked like they stepped right off a Milan runway show), and climbed hills. She said she had a loooooovey lunch with meat, and the food kept coming and coming.

Around 8:30 we had dinner and we got back to our rooms to start processing the days events and get ready for tomorrow's tour. Of course Cathy had to have another cafe before bed ... I'm getting a little worried that she might be addicted but as long as there is a steady supply here I am not going to worry. Cathy and I are headed to a farm, winery and a town. That is all I know right now but stay tuned to tomorrow and we will give you all the great details.