Organization launches effort to engage consumers
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, in a joint effort with Discovery Education, is a launching an educational effort to inform urban youth about agriculture.
The goal of the initiative, called Discovering Farmland, is to build trust between farmers and consumers.
Rany Krotz, CEO of the alliance, as well as the U.S. Farming and Ranching Foundation (USFRF), said consumers trust farmers, but are unsure about how the food is grown and raised.
The USFRF is working on developing a nationwide curriculum that students can use to learn more about agriculture.
Students will use the documentary “Farmland” as the core for studies; the film follows young farmers and ranchers as they try to navigate life on and off the farm.
Available lessons currently include:
- Farming As An Industry, which allows students to study how agriculture has evolved. Data analysis and environmental studies will help them understand how products are developed in the United States.
- Educated Consumers, which looks at the media’s impact and influence on agriculture.
- Breaking Down Stereotypes, which uses group discussions to explore common stereotypes associated with farmers.
- Challenges In Farming and Ranching, will allow students to understand the challenges farmers face including the pressure to feed others, finances involved and new technology’s role in agriculture.
Are you a high school teacher looking to introduce agriculture to your students? How would you implement the online resources and help your students understand how agriculture works and the dedication farmers show?