Who We Are

About FCAEC

More than 70 years ago, Fred Weed, a local Bethel, CT farmer, had a vision for his beloved farmland. He wanted to preserve the property to support agricultural education for all ages of Fairfield County residents into the future. He and his wife Ada’s gift was the impetus for creating the Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Council, Inc. (FCAEC) and allowed for a permanent location for UConn Extension programming in the county.

The FCAEC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1955 with a singular purpose: to cooperate with the University of Connecticut’s Extension Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support and promote the conduct of Extension programs for all residents of Fairfield County. To carry out this critical mandate, the FCAEC was required to acquire and maintain property in Fairfield County.

Mission

At the Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Center, Inc., we collaborate with industry experts, UConn Educators, and community partners to deliver innovative programs that enrich lives and cultivate growth. Our mission is to support thriving agriculture, inspire healthy and sustainable lifestyles, and empower youth and adults alike in Fairfield County. We are dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural practices, nurturing strong family values, and fostering personal and community development for a brighter future.

Vision

The Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Center envisions a vibrant agricultural community where sustainable practices are embraced, homes are enriched with knowledge and excellence, and youth and adults are equipped with valuable skills and opportunities for growth. We aspire to be a catalyst for agricultural innovation, a reliable resource for homeowners seeking guidance, and a nurturing environment for our youth’s personal and professional development. By collaborating with the University of Connecticut and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we aim to create a thriving environment where residents of Fairfield County can prosper and thrive in harmony with their surroundings.

A Brief History of the Fairfield County Extension Center

1950
First Parcel of Land

The Fairfield County Farm Bureau acquires the first parcel of land in Bethel, CT, from Frederick and Ada Weed. This land, through subsequent Farm Bureau purchases and donations from the Weed family, will become the future home of the Fairfield County Extension Center

1955
FCAEC Chartered

The Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Council (FCAEC) is chartered, an organization of volunteers charged with supporting and partnering with the UConn Extension and developing property for Extension programming in Fairfield County.

1957
Building reassembled

The current white training building, located on the East side of the parking lot, was donated, dismantled, and reassembled by Extension volunteers after being relocated from its original location at the Shepaug Dam, Southbury, CT. 

1962 - 1966
New construction

The Pole Barn was built by 4-H clubs and Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Council volunteers in 1962, and a food booth was built in 1966. Both buildings are still standing today. 

1969
Land ownership

Land ownership is transferred from the Fairfield County Farm Bureau to FCAEC.

1970
Construction starts

Construction of the Fairfield County Extension Center Office building begins following extensive fundraising efforts and a $60,000 mortgage by FCAEC.

1971
Extension staff

The brick office building is completed, and UConn Cooperative Extension Service staff moves in. During that time, UConn Extension Programming covered many topics, including 4-H, Consumer Education, Family Life Experiences, Horticulture, Energy and Farmer Training, conservation, and Home Economics. 

1978
Master Gardener

The first Master Gardener program was established in Connecticut at the Fairfield County Extension Office in Bethel. Over the next 47 years, trained Master Gardener volunteers assisted Extension educators with gardening and horticulture inquiries and plant diagnostic services for the public in Fairfield County and throughout the state of Connecticut. 

1981
Farmers Market

A Farmers Market was initiated on the property, held every Saturday from late spring through fall, and is still operating today. The market sells fresh local produce and other local products to the public.  

2013
The Demonstration Garden

The UConn Extension Master Gardener Demonstration Garden is initiated at the site. Over the next 10 years, it will grow to what you see today, providing organic gardening education to our county residents and sharing the bounty with our area food pantries.

What is the Cooperative Extension System?

The Fairfield County Extension Center is one of eight Cooperative Extension Centers in Connecticut, one in each county. Additionally, Extension maintains a presence at UConn Avery Point, home to the Connecticut Sea Grant.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Smith-Lever Act, creating the Agricultural Extension System, to “extend” the efforts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in partnership with the country’s land grant colleges, to working farmers and homemakers. This effort would develop into today’s Cooperative Extension System. The University of Connecticut, through its College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR), has been carrying out this mandate for over 100 years.

About UConn Extension

Board and Committee Members

Board Officers/Executive Committee

Gina Cubbage

President
president@fcaec.org

Claire Bacon

Vice President
vicepresident@fcaec.org

Barbara Stauder

Secretary
secretary@fcaec.org

Ron Adams

Treasurer
treasurer@fcaec.org

Directors-at-Large

Coreen Ahmed
Ron Switzer
Robb Sauerhoff
Deb DiCicco
Jacqueline Kowalski

UConn Extension Board Liason

Committee Chairs

Ron Adams

Technology
technology@fcaec.org

Claire Bacon

Nominating
vicepresident@fcaec.org

Coreen Ahmed

Social Media
social@fcaec.org

Ron Switzer

Outreach
outreach@fcaec.org

Barbara Stauder

Website
secretary@fcaec.org

Board Meetings

Board meetings are held on the third Monday of each month, except in August and December. The Annual Meeting takes place in July. All meetings are open to the public.

For information on attending a meeting, contact info@fcaec.org. For board meeting documents, minutes, or annual reports, contact president@fcaec.org.

The Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Council advocates for and collaborates with UConn and the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR) to advance their mission and programs, strengthening the communities they serve. Additionally, the Council supports Extension as an Equal Opportunity Employer and program provider.