CULLMAN, Ala. — For more than a decade, the Cullman County Extension office and the North Alabama Agriplex have shared more than just a mission. They have shared ideas, expertise and a deep commitment to serving the people of Cullman County. Now, thanks to the support of the Cullman County Commission and the City of Cullman, the partnership between these two education-driven organizations is poised to grow even stronger with the construction of a shared facility.

“This opportunity for Extension to be in the same space with the Agriplex will strengthen the current relationship between the organizations, provide new opportunities for programs and enhance the reach we have across the county,” said Kira Sims, Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s director for Cullman County.

True Partnership

Over the years, the partnership has flourished through joint programs like ForestHER, the Military Veteran and Beginning Farmer series and food preservation workshops. Extension agents frequently lend technical expertise to Agriplex programs, while the Agriplex fills gaps in programming that Extension cannot cover because of staffing or scheduling constraints.

In turn, the Agriplex relies on Extension Master Gardeners to assist with educational gardens and youth programs. The two organizations also share a commitment to community health and food security. They have collaborated on projects such as Grow More, Give More, youth produce tastings at local farmers markets, gleaning efforts and community gardens.

Beyond programming, the partnership includes leadership roles on each other’s advisory boards and collaboration on the Agriplex’s capital campaign.

“Kira has been instrumental in helping us make strategic funding connections,” said Agriplex Executive Director Rachel Dawsey. “It’s a true partnership in every sense.”

Support from local government has made the next step possible. The Cullman County Commission, which currently provides the Extension facility, contributed $200,000 toward the project. The City of Cullman also backed the effort with a $100,000 contribution.

With shared values in agriculture, youth development, health and lifelong learning, both organizations are excited about the opportunity to work even more closely in the years ahead. To learn more about Cullman County Extension, visit aces.edu/Cullman. To explore programs at the North Alabama Agriplex, visit agriplex.org.