We show that, whenever Γ is a countable abelian group and ∆ ≤ Γ is a finitely-generated subgroup, a generic measure-preserving action of ∆ on a standard atomless probability space (X, µ) extends to a free measure-preserving action of Γ on (X, µ). This extends a result of Ageev, corresponding to the case when ∆ is infinite cyclic.2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. 22F10, 54H11. Key words and phrases. Measure-preserving action, genericity in the space of actions, extensions of actions.1 Ageev did not publish his proof, so it was unknown to me when writing this article whether his argument was similar to what is presented here. Since then (private commmunication) he told me that his proof was quite different.