Debbie Roos, Agricultural Extension Agent

Responsibilities:

• Sustainable and Organic Agricultural Production
• Alternative Agricultural Enterprises
• Vegetable, Fruit, Herb, and Cut Flower Production
• Liaison to Local Farmers’ Markets
• Beekeeping and Pollinator Conservation
• Forestry

Experience:

• 2001 to present: Agricultural Extension Agent, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Chatham County Center, Pittsboro, NC

• 1999-2001: Agricultural Extension Agent, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Lee County Center, Sanford, NC

• 1996-1999: Research Assistant, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

• 1998, 1995-1996: Curriculum Development Specialist, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

• 1996-1999: Farm Intern, Rosie’s Organic Farm, Gainesville, FL

• 1994: Natural Resources Consultant, U.S. Peace Corps, Mauritania, West Africa

• 1994: Technical Trainer, CHP International, Senegal, West Africa

• 1990-1992: Agroforestry Extension Agent, U.S. Peace Corps, Senegal, West Africa

Education:

• 1999: M.S. Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; area of specialization: Vegetable Production and IPM

• 1997: M.A. Applied Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; area of specialization: Gender and Agricultural Development

• 1986: B.A. Anthropology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA; area of specialization: Cultural Anthropology

Awards:

• 2019: Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award: Wildlife Conservationist of the Year – North Carolina Wildlife Federation

• 2019: Extension Agent of the Year – North Carolina State Beekeepers’ Association

• 2016: National Winner, Search for Excellence Award in Horticulture, National Association of County Agricultural Agents

• 2012: Distinguished Service Award, National Association of County Agricultural Agents

• 2009: National Finalist, Southern Region Winner, State Winner, Search for Excellence Award for Crop Production, National Association of County Agricultural Agents

• 2009: Southern Region Winner, State Winner, Communication Award, National Association of County Agricultural Agents

• 2007: Outstanding Sustainable Agriculture Agent, North Carolina SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education)

• 2007: Southern Region Winner, SARE Search for Excellence Award for Sustainable Agriculture Program, National Association of County Agricultural Agents

• 2007: Achievement Award, National Association of County Agricultural Agents

• 2006: Activist of the Year, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association

• 2006: National Winner, Search for Excellence Award for Young, Beginning, or Small Farmers’ Program, National Association of County Agricultural Agents

• 2006: National Finalist, Southern Region Winner, State Winner, Communication Award, National Association of County Agricultural Agents

• 2005: Woman of the Land, Sisters of Strength Award Finalist, Strong Women Organizing Outrageous Projects (SWOOP)

• 2005: Extension Worker of the Year, North Carolina State Beekeepers’ Association

• 2005: Inducted into the Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension at North Carolina State University

• 2005: Outstanding Extension Service Award, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University

• 2004: National Finalist, Southern Region Winner, State Winner, Communication Award, National Association of County Agricultural Agents

• 2004: Search for Excellence Award (2nd place): Young, Beginning, or Small Farmers’/Ranchers’ Program, North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents

• 2003: Pride of the Wolfpack Award: North Carolina State University

• 2003: National Finalist, Southern Region Winner, State Winner, Communication Award, National Association of County Agricultural Agents

• 2003: Communication Award, North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents

• 2002: Outstanding Cooperative Extension Agent, Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University

• 2002: Communication Award: Website, North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents

• 2000: Outstanding Cooperative Extension Agent, Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University

• 1998: Graduate Student Paper Award, Southern Weed Science Society

• 1997: Agricultural Women’s Leadership Award, University of Florida