Who We Are

About FCAEC

More than 70 years ago, Fred Weed, a local Bethel, CT farmer, had a vision for his beloved farmland. He wanted to preserve the property to support agricultural education for all ages of Fairfield County residents into the future. He and his wife Ada’s gift was the impetus for creating the Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Council, Inc. (FCAEC) and allowed for a permanent location for UConn Extension programming in the county.

The FCAEC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1955 with a singular purpose: to cooperate with the University of Connecticut’s Extension Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support and promote the conduct of Extension programs for all residents of Fairfield County. To carry out this critical mandate, the FCAEC was required to acquire and maintain property in Fairfield County.

Mission

At the Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Center, Inc., we collaborate with industry experts, UConn Educators, and community partners to deliver innovative programs that enrich lives and cultivate growth. Our mission is to support thriving agriculture, inspire healthy and sustainable lifestyles, and empower youth and adults alike in Fairfield County. We are dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural practices, nurturing strong family values, and fostering personal and community development for a brighter future.

Vision

The Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Center envisions a vibrant agricultural community where sustainable practices are embraced, homes are enriched with knowledge and excellence, and youth and adults are equipped with valuable skills and opportunities for growth. We aspire to be a catalyst for agricultural innovation, a reliable resource for homeowners seeking guidance, and a nurturing environment for our youth’s personal and professional development. By collaborating with the University of Connecticut and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we aim to create a thriving environment where residents of Fairfield County can prosper and thrive in harmony with their surroundings.

A Brief History of the Fairfield County Extension Center

What is the Cooperative Extension System?

The Fairfield County Extension Center is one of eight Cooperative Extension Centers in Connecticut, one in each county. Additionally, Extension maintains a presence at UConn Avery Point, home to the Connecticut Sea Grant.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Smith-Lever Act, creating the Agricultural Extension System, to “extend” the efforts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in partnership with the country’s land grant colleges, to working farmers and homemakers. This effort would develop into today’s Cooperative Extension System. The University of Connecticut, through its College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR), has been carrying out this mandate for over 100 years.

About UConn Extension

Board and Committee Members

Board Officers/Executive Committee

Gina Cubbage

President
president@fcaec.org

Claire Bacon

Vice President
vicepresident@fcaec.org

Barbara Stauder

Secretary
secretary@fcaec.org

Ron Adams

Treasurer
treasurer@fcaec.org

Directors-at-Large

Coreen Ahmed
Ron Switzer
Robb Sauerhoff
Deb DiCicco
Jacqueline Kowalski

UConn Extension Board Liason

Committee Chairs

Ron Adams

Technology
technology@fcaec.org

Claire Bacon

Nominating
vicepresident@fcaec.org

Coreen Ahmed

Social Media
social@fcaec.org

Ron Switzer

Outreach
outreach@fcaec.org

Barbara Stauder

Website
secretary@fcaec.org

Board Meetings

Board meetings are held on the third Monday of each month, except in August and December. The Annual Meeting takes place in July. All meetings are open to the public.

For information on attending a meeting, contact info@fcaec.org. For board meeting documents, minutes, or annual reports, contact president@fcaec.org.

The Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Council advocates for and collaborates with UConn and the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR) to advance their mission and programs, strengthening the communities they serve. Additionally, the Council supports Extension as an Equal Opportunity Employer and program provider.