UGA Cooperative Extension is a collaboration between UGA CAES and UGA FACS.

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Gilmer County
UGA Extension Office

Our Impact

Making A Difference in Our County

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is working hard for its constituents. The following are examples of Extension’s impact in the county over the past year.

Family and Consumer Sciences

The Gilmer County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) program serves the citizens of Gilmer County with outreach, resources, and programs designed to help improve the quality of life for the constituency in the areas of food, families, housing, financial management, and healthy eating habits. We provide research-based information through training and dissemination of publications, and link families, businesses and communities to university faculty and resources.  Common topics of concern cover food safety, food preservation, dealing with mold, mildew, and Radon, healthy meal planning, nutrition, family budgeting and financial literacy, Low Income Nutrition Education (Snap-Education), life skills to build success in youth and adults, Early childhood training to promote positive and safety of children, consumer economic issues, and more.  We offer the sale of UGA’s So Easy to Preserve as well as Serv Safe certification through our office.  These overarching issues and other questions are answered through a wide variety of free UGA Extension publications available at the county office, phone conferences with the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, speaking engagements, and through a variety of local, district, or statewide programming. There are many face -to-face opportunities, as well as virtual options for training and participation regardless of the client’s location. 

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Gilmer is the “apple capital” of the state, but the county also has a burgeoning wine grape industry. These commodities account for a considerable portion of the 138.9 million generated in tourism revenue. To support these industries, the agent coordinates production meetings, conducts site visits, and leads applied research projects at local farms. The agent also provides support in soil health, safe pesticide handling, crop and pasture management, and providing guidance to small farm startups. Community members receive assistance in determining if their water is safe to drink through consultations and water testing. Last year, Gilmer submitted 275 water tests and ranked 4th in the state for water testing services. The agent further serves homeowners by assisting with home fruit and vegetable gardening, ornamentals, turf management, and plant, insect, and disease identification. In 2022, the agent coordinated a training that led to the addition of 12 new local MGEV members. These volunteers contributed over 1,630 hours of service in the area, and helped teach gardening classes, including the popular annual spring “First Thursdays” and fall “Make and Take” programs at the Gilmer County Public Library.

4-H Youth Development

In 2021 Gilmer County 4-H responded to the needs of 4-H youth and the community by providing educational programs focused on healthy living and “soft skill” workforce development. Elementary, Middle and High school students showcased their public speaking skills, preparing a three to five-minute oral presentation. The 4-H’ers overwhelmingly report that they are better public speakers because of 4-H. They also report that 4-H has helped them become more confident as a person. Three 4-H’ers credit the skills they learned in 4-H to prepare them for the workforce.

Regular family mealtime has been linked to a lower risk of obesity, substance abuse, eating disorders, an increase in self-esteem and motivation. 150 4-H’ers received “Hands-On” instruction through a variety of healthy living programs. The “Kids in the Kitchen” program provides support for family mealtime by teaching food preparation, nutrition knowledge, and easy recipes for families to prepare together.  97 students received at least 8 hours of instruction focused on food safety, nutrition, meal preparation, exercise, and food choice. 74 % plan to limit sugary drinks. 94% plan to stay active. 75% regularly prepare meals with their families. 6 members became interested in the 4-H Food Showcase and competed in the District and State food contests. The senior team advanced to the Great American Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans, Louisiana, placing 4th. One 4-H’er reported choosing her career path based on her involvement serving as a Healthy Living Ambassador and Senior Food Showcase member. She said, “The Food Showcase has been my favorite activity in 4-H.” Gilmer County 4-H is preparing kids to take an active role in their community as the future leaders of tomorrow.

Download Our Annual Report (pdf)