Bringing Agriculture and Science Together for Future Food Leaders
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is enhancing STEM education by weaving agriculture into U.S. classrooms. Since 2006, it has aimed to boost agricultural understanding through learning. Now, it seeks to bring real-world farming topics into science lessons, strengthening student awareness and curiosity.
With 17 million high school students taking science classes, the opportunity is massive. Including agriculture in the curriculum can bridge the knowledge gap about how food and fibre are produced, especially since most students don’t have direct connections to farming.
The goal is to spark interest in farming careers and support informed choices as consumers. Students already trust farmers; integrating agriculture into education builds on this trust.
Modern agriculture depends on science and innovation—like AI, sensors, and digital tools—to ensure sustainability and food security. Teaching students with hands-on agricultural examples can bring science to life and open career pathways.
Through the Food and Agriculture Center for Science Education, the Foundation is focused on -
“We can’t bring every student out to the farm, but we can bring the farm to every student,” the Foundation says.
This initiative also supports new high school science curriculum plans and K-5 ag literacy efforts. Students will learn more than just science—they’ll understand how food systems work and how they can be a part of shaping the future.
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