The Cooperative Extension System is an educational agency of the:

The Cooperative Extension System is an educational agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This connection is significant because the USDA established the Cooperative Extension to provide non-formal education and outreach services to agricultural producers, families, and communities. Its mission is to deliver research-based information and resources designed to improve agricultural practices, enhance rural development, and promote science-based knowledge in various areas including agriculture, horticulture, nutrition, and environmental stewardship.

The existence of the Cooperative Extension System is rooted in the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, which aimed to bring university-based research to the people at the local level. This ensures that agricultural advancements and innovations developed through research can be disseminated widely to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.

The other options listed, while connected to various aspects of land management, environmental protection, or educational initiatives, do not serve as the primary agency responsible for the Cooperative Extension System. This clear alignment with the USDA emphasizes the vital role that agricultural education plays in supporting farmers and communities throughout the United States.