Why Learn About Agriculture?
In the early 1900's, about 40% of the U.S. workforce was employed in agriculture. During the last 100 years, advances in agricultural science and technology have transformed our society, allowing us to explore other career options and enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle. Today, just over 1% of our population is engaged in farming. As we've moved further away from a farm-based society, we've lost much of our basic understanding about farming and how our food system works. With food so readily available at our local grocery store, it may seem as if this information is no longer relevant. In fact, there are more reasons than ever to promote agricultural literacy in our society.
1. It allows us to make better decisions about the food we eat. There is a dizzying array of options when it comes to food these days. Certified organic, naturally grown, non-GMO, free-range, pasture-raised....the list goes on and on. But what does it all mean? Understanding how our food is raised can help us make sense of it all and make better decisions about what goes into our bodies.
2. Individual decisions help to shape our agricultural system. How we spend our food dollars can influence the way a company grows and processes the food we eat. Where we buy our food can impact our local economy. Who we choose to vote for can shape food policy in our state or country. Agricultural literacy helps us make more informed choices.
3. We need continued innovation in agriculture to meet the demands of a growing population. Innovation is what allows 1% of our population to grow enough food for the other 99%. The next generation of engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs will need a basic understanding of our agricultural system to develop the future technology required to meet this challenge.
4. We must solve sustainability-related problems that arise from our need to produce more food. Sustainable farming requires practices that maximize agricultural productivity while preserving the farm's ecosystem and resources. Our future ecologists, activists and researchers will need to understand these problems from both sides to come up with effective solutions.
5. We need to encourage the next generation of farmers. Fewer young people are going into farming, and the average age of today's farmer is 57 years old. Technology can only take us so far. Farming will always require individuals willing to invest their time, energy, and ingenuity. It is important to show the next generation that farming can be a rewarding (and profitable) career.
6. This knowledge is useful in careers outside of agriculture. Problem solving, the ability to see the big picture, being able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, etc. will always be in demand in the workplace.
7. There is value in understanding our agricultural history. It helps us connect to our past and allows us to better appreciate the modern conveniences that make our life easier.
8. You never know when these farm-related skills might come in handy. A sudden health issue, loss of income, a natural disaster, and economic recession are just some of the reasons we might need to become more self-sufficient in the future. It is best to develop these skills while we can, so the knowledge is available if it is ever needed.
1. It allows us to make better decisions about the food we eat. There is a dizzying array of options when it comes to food these days. Certified organic, naturally grown, non-GMO, free-range, pasture-raised....the list goes on and on. But what does it all mean? Understanding how our food is raised can help us make sense of it all and make better decisions about what goes into our bodies.
2. Individual decisions help to shape our agricultural system. How we spend our food dollars can influence the way a company grows and processes the food we eat. Where we buy our food can impact our local economy. Who we choose to vote for can shape food policy in our state or country. Agricultural literacy helps us make more informed choices.
3. We need continued innovation in agriculture to meet the demands of a growing population. Innovation is what allows 1% of our population to grow enough food for the other 99%. The next generation of engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs will need a basic understanding of our agricultural system to develop the future technology required to meet this challenge.
4. We must solve sustainability-related problems that arise from our need to produce more food. Sustainable farming requires practices that maximize agricultural productivity while preserving the farm's ecosystem and resources. Our future ecologists, activists and researchers will need to understand these problems from both sides to come up with effective solutions.
5. We need to encourage the next generation of farmers. Fewer young people are going into farming, and the average age of today's farmer is 57 years old. Technology can only take us so far. Farming will always require individuals willing to invest their time, energy, and ingenuity. It is important to show the next generation that farming can be a rewarding (and profitable) career.
6. This knowledge is useful in careers outside of agriculture. Problem solving, the ability to see the big picture, being able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, etc. will always be in demand in the workplace.
7. There is value in understanding our agricultural history. It helps us connect to our past and allows us to better appreciate the modern conveniences that make our life easier.
8. You never know when these farm-related skills might come in handy. A sudden health issue, loss of income, a natural disaster, and economic recession are just some of the reasons we might need to become more self-sufficient in the future. It is best to develop these skills while we can, so the knowledge is available if it is ever needed.
