Smith-Lever Act

The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established a partnership between the federal government and land-grant universities to provide practical, research-based agricultural education and outreach to farmers and communities. Its goal is to ensure that scientific advances in agriculture, home economics, and related fields are accessible and useful to the public. Through cooperative extension services, these institutions deliver training, resources, and support directly to farmers, families, and local organizations, helping improve productivity, safety, and quality of life while fostering informed decision-making and community development.