Agriculture/Food Issues

Assumptions

1. A majority of the U.S. population is not agriculturally literate6.
2. Opinions—not facts or evidence—sometimes drive decisions.
3. There is a decrease in graduates entering agricultural careers.
4. Paid staff are able to effectively train educators and implement the logic model.
5. Curriculum and resources are high-quality, rigorous, and linked to education standards.
6. All materials and activities are science-based and experiential.
7. Consumers have an increased interest in their food choices and availability.

External Factors

1. Teachers lack time to add to their prescribed curricula.
2. Information available to the public is not always scientifically based.
3. Human and financial resources differ across states and programs.
4. Public and private funds may or may not be adequate.
5. The general public is not informed and/or concerned about the looming food crisis.

USDA Conference on an Agricultural Literacy – Logic Model Development Committee

National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U. S. Department of Agriculture

Dr. Nancy Valentine, National Program Leader, 4-H and Agriculture in the Classroom

Cooperative Extension

Dr. Jill Walahoski, Associate Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Agriculture in the Classroom

Ms. Deanna Karmazin, State Coordinator, Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom

Ms. Diane S. Olson, Director of Promotion and Education, Missouri Farm Bureau Federation Ms. Monica Pastor, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County

Dr. Debra Spielmaker, Associate Professor, Utah State University Extension; Applied Sciences, Technology & Education

U.S. Department of Education, Agricultural Education & FFA

Dr. Steve A. Brown, Educational Program Specialist, U.S. Department of Education and National FFA Advisor & Board Chair Mr. Jay Jackman, Executive Director, National Association of Agricultural Educators

Mr. Tony Small, Director, Partner Services, National FFA Organization

American Farm Bureau Foundation

Ms. Angela Mayfield, Education Director, American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture

1. Agriculture is broadly defined to include agriculture, food, and natural resources. This would include all of the industries, processes, and resources involved in the production and delivery of food, fiber and fuel that humans need to survive and thrive.
2. Borlaug, N. (2000). Taking the GM food aid debate to Africa: Are we going mad? Retrieved from http://artsci.wustl.edu/~anthro/bnc/read- ings/Borlaug%202000%20Going%20Mad.htm
3. USDA Economic Research Service - Effects of Trade on the U.S. Economy. (2013). Retrieved November 4, 2013, from http://www.ers. usda.gov/data-products/agricultural-trade-multipliers/effects-of-trade-on-the-us-economy.aspx#.UnfdkBCQNWx
4. Goecker, A. D., Smith, P. G., Smith, E., & Goetz, R. (2010). Employment opportunities for college graduates in food, renewable energy, and the environment: United States, 2010-2015. Retrieved from http://www3.ag.purdue.edu/USDA/employment/Pages/default.aspx
5. Doerfert, D. L. (2011). National research agenda: American Association for Agricultural Education’s research priority areas for 2011-2015. Lubbock, TX: Texas Tech University, Department of Agricultural Education and Communications.
6. Agricultural L source and value of agriculture as it affects our quality of life.