FARMINGTON – Providing more programs to meet client demand yet working in cramped space has the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Franklin County Office looking for new housing.

The office at 147 Farmington Falls Road is bursting at the seams with nine employees and two part-timers working partly at the office and sometimes at home, said Dave Fuller, extension professional.

“We’re growing and offering more programs in response to client demand and anticipating how things are going this year,” Fuller said. “One local vegetable seed market has sales up 30 percent this year. Everyone wants to get better at growing vegetables and fruits or learn how to.”

The need for more programs, especially in home food production, and a tourism economic development program in Franklin County, leaves no meeting or classroom space.

The 4-H program is also growing with more requests for information and how to start clubs, he said.

“It’s back to basics. I don’t think it’s a knee-jerk reaction (to the economy) but a reminder … people are looking to be reassured that they can grow their own food or some of it,” he said.

Extension provides information and educational in health and nutrition, small and home-based business development, agriculture and non-timber forest products and tourism economic development. It also administers the 4-H and Extension Homemakers programs.

Staff is always searching for program and meeting space, said Marc Edwards, an extension educator.

Two part-time staffers and two nutrition associates share two computers in one office, a space also used as a meeting room and kitchen, Fuller said.

As an affiliate of the University of Maine, the service is governed by a volunteer executive committee, the Franklin County Extension Association, which is looking for a new home.

“We are looking for somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,000 square feet, ideally within the greater Farmington area,” said Harvey Hayden, association president.

The space must be handicap accessible and have plenty of off-street parking. The group wants to move by July if possible.

Anyone with information about available space can call the Extension office at 778-4650.