GEORGIA

Significant Activities

The first phase of Distance Diagnostics through Digital Imaging project is complete, and we are entering Phase II with funding from a private charitable foundation and the Georgia lottery. Currently, 94 complete stations have been strategically located around the state, and digital cameras have been placed in all 159 counties. County agents in all counties have been trained to use the technology.

New Initiatives

A comprehensive program has been developed to help farmers and rural communities deal with the farm crisis. Partnerships have been established between Extension, federal agricultural agencies, private lending institutions and the clergy to assist people in need. A statewide meeting last winter attracted over 400 professionals who are now working to lessen the impact of the economic and social crisis in rural Georgia.

A significant project is underway to network county Extension offices in order to provide the best available electronic communications possible in areas with diverse communications capabilities. The project is scheduled for completion during this fiscal year.

Administrative Changes

Restructuring the Georgia Extension Service is complete. Each of the five Districts has a District Extension Head and Program Development Coordinators for A&NR and 4-H. Family and Consumer Sciences programming is coordinated on a regional basis by two Program Development Specialists. Statewide coordination of FACS programming is now the responsibility of Dr. Tom Rodgers, the new Associate Dean for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Major Issues

The two major issues that continue to plague the southeast are drought and the farm crisis which include generally poor production and low commodity prices. Water quality and quantity concerns are tied to both issues.

New Partners

The Farm Crisis project has attracted several new partners including the clergy, and has re-established old relationships with other governmental agencies and private business. The philanthropic foundation which has partially funded our Distance Diagnostics project has provided a second grant to initiate Phase II of the program.

General Comments

The new administration in the state capitol continues to be supportive of our programs. Our base budget increased by $1.5 million in FY2001. We have hired 84 county agents in the last 18 months and are advertising for 27 more. Six new state staff positions have been created, and our IT base budget has tripled in three years.