Webinar discusses university extension and support programs for agriculture with a professor from the USA

Unesc hosted an international webinar on the Cooperative Extension System of the United States, featuring Professor Suzanna Windon from Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). The meeting discussed models that integrate Teaching, Research, and Extension to meet the needs of rural communities. 

The initiative was organized last Wednesday (September 30) by Professor Caroline Jacques Rosso, with support from the Graduate Program in Socioeconomic Development (PPGDS), the Graduate Program in Law (PPGD), and the Solidarity Economy Action Program (PAES) of the University.

"The American Land-Grant university system integrates Teaching, Research, and Extension through partnerships with governments. This model transforms the knowledge produced by institutions into educational actions and practical support," reports Suzanna Windon.

University cooperation addressed the role of Penn State Extension in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, health, and food security. The translation of the activity into Portuguese was carried out by law student Adriana Burígo Soares, bringing the presented data closer to the productive reality of small properties in southern Santa Catarina.

"One of the programs presented was AgWorks, which supports rural properties in issues related to hiring, retaining, and training workers through consulting and personalized training," recalls Professor Caroline Jacques Rosso. 

The panel also detailed the "AgrAbility Project for Pennsylvania," aimed at supporting farmers with disabilities or long-term health conditions. The program offers free assessments in work environments and proposes the use of assistive technologies.

"The examples showed how adaptations can enhance autonomy and safety in agricultural work. Among the solutions discussed were mobility devices and alternatives for accessing tractors," she clarified.

Additional information about the composition of the teams and the institutional functioning of the American initiatives presented can be found directly on the website: https://extension.psu.edu/agworks-project-team-and-partners