FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner James Comer has been awarded National Friend of Extension honors by the cooperative extension organization Epsilon Sigma Phi.

“I have had a close relationship with Extension for most of my life,” Commissioner Comer said. “I got to know about Extension when I was in 4-H. As a farmer, I utilize Extension services in my own operation back home in Monroe County. As a legislator and as ag commissioner, I have always worked with Extension to strengthen Kentucky agriculture. I am deeply honored to receive this award.”

Comer will accept the award at the National Extension Agents Galaxy Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa., in September. He is one of four 2013 National Friend of Extension recipients and the only one of the four who is an elected official.

The Kentucky chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, made up of Kentucky county Extension agents, nominated Comer for the award. In its nomination, the chapter cited the following:

·         Comer helped Kentucky 4-H (as well as Kentucky FFA and Kentucky Proud) find new revenue by encouraging farmers to make voluntary $10 donations when they renew their farm license plates. Early in his first year in office, Comer reached an agreement with Kentucky 4-H and Kentucky FFA to divide proceeds from the voluntary farm plate donations equally among those organizations and Kentucky Proud. The voluntary donations generated $121,708.64 for each organization in 2012, and Comer expects revenue from the donations to exceed that level this year.

·         Comer serves on the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, the Kentucky State Fair Board, the North American International Livestock Exposition board, and numerous other agriculture-related boards.

·         As a state representative, Comer helped secure funding for a career ladder incentive program for county agents; supported the annual Mammoth Cave Legislative Appreciation Program; was influential in securing $2 million for infrastructure improvements for Kentucky’s four 4-H camps; and played a significant role in starting the “4-H: A Capitol Experience” program that enables 4-H members to visit the state Capitol and meet their legislators.

·         Comer has served on his county Extension council and local cattlemen’s association and assisted with local livestock shows.

·         Comer was active in the 4-H communications project and 4-H beef project as a youth.

“[Comer] has had a tremendous impact on Kentucky agriculture and the Cooperative Extension Service,” the chapter wrote in its nomination.

Based in Twin Falls, Idaho, Epsilon Sigma Phi is dedicated to fostering standards of excellence in the Extension system and developing the Extension profession and professional.

Source: Press release courtesy of Kentucky Department of Agriculture