Gm. Weber et al., CONSUMER CONCERNS ABOUT MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE - CONSIDERATIONS FOR UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE TEACHING, Journal of animal science, 73(9), 1995, pp. 2727-2732
A number of events over the last several decades have sensitized socie
ty to the possible negative impacts of technology. The majority of our
population is one or more generations removed from direct experience
on farms and ranches. Thus, few individuals are aware of the dramatic
changes that have occurred in agriculture. Since the establishment of
the land-grant university system, agriculture in the United States has
changed from a system employing 10 million farmers and farm workers e
ach feeding five people to a system in which 2.1 million farmers feed
more than 100 people each and support exports of more than $35 billion
annually. There are perceptions, as well as survey data, indicating s
ociety is concerned about the use and impacts of technology in the foo
d and agriculture system. Survey data indicate 87% of people disagreed
that ''economic growth is more important than environmental protectio
n.'' In addition, the survey data indicate society is concerned about
how technology is used and who decides which applications are to be pu
rsued. More than 8 out of 10 people (85%) surveyed believed ''citizens
deserve a greater role in decisions about science and technology.'' T
here seems to be concern regarding the use of technology and resultant
impacts on the environment, food safety, animal well-being, and the s
ize and numbers of farms in the United States. Education, both formal
and informal, is the key to helping the public make informed decisions
regarding the role of science and technology in the food and agricult
ure system. The colleges of agriculture need to carefully evaluate the
ir research, teaching, and extension portfolios to ''rediscover'' thei
r mission. The ''new'' mission must be viewed by society as consistent
with their expectations of the food and agriculture system. The key q
uestion is how will the colleges of agriculture adapt teaching program
s to meet the changing expectations of society and of the food and agr
iculture system as we enter a new era for agriculture and a new centur
y?