About Us

For over a century, Cornell Cooperative Extension has worked in partnership with Chautauqua County government and Cornell University to address priority needs in agriculture, youth development, and nutrition. Our signature programs continue to provide residents with valuable and unique access to scientific research and practical education—enabling individuals to improve their lives and communities.

We continue to change our direction as the needs in the community change as well. Although change is never easy, it does bring new opportunities to learn, grow and expand our programs and outreach efforts.

Cornell Cooperative Extension's access to university-based research is critically important to the vitality of our local economy. Residents, businesses and others rely on us for training and research-based programs that helps them improve their quality of life and their communities.

The mission of Cooperative Extension is to enable people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work. Extension staff and trained volunteers deliver education programs, conduct applied research, and encourage community collaborations. Our educators connect people with the information they need on topics such as commercial and consumer agriculture; nutrition and health; youth and families; and economic and community development. Our ability to match university resources with community needs helps us play a vital role in the lives of individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout Chautauqua County.

CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals.

We have an extensive system for getting input from diverse interests in the community, and we welcome your ideas and involvement in our efforts. If you are interested in how CCE-Chautauqua sets policies and program priorities, or if you'd like more information on how to get involved, please get in touch with the contact listed below.

Click here to view our 2023 Annual Report!