The Importance of Agricultural Education
July 13
This post was written by Blake Van Der Kamp. Blake is an intern with the Alhambra US Chamber.
The United Nations expects 9.7 billion people to inhabit planet Earth by the year 2050. The number is daunting, not only to the everyday consumer but also to those working in the agricultural industry. They will have to make more food with fewer resources, and although they have been doing so throughout history, the scale of the problem is much larger now than it was before. The American Farm Bureau states that a single farmer can feed about 166 people annually in the 21st century. By contrast, the average farmer in the 1800s could only feed about three to five people. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), total agricultural production will need to increase by 70% by 2050, in a world plagued with water quality and soil fertility issues. Thus, the question remains: how will we feed a population of over 9.7 billion people by 2050?
Agricultural education will be a key solution to assist in cultivating a more sustainable future. Over the past century, fewer people have pursued an agricultural career, as Our World in Data shows. The decline is due to innovation and economic development reducing the number of available jobs, as well as a lack of individuals who want to work in the agricultural sector. The reduction in agricultural-based employment has led to a disconnect between those both inside and outside the industry.
This agricultural disconnect noted in studies by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy found that “48% of Americans aren't sure where chocolate milk comes from, and 7% thought chocolate milk only comes from brown cows”. Another study led by Cornell Alliance for Science discovered that “48 percent of Americans say they never or rarely seek information about where their food was grown or how it was produced”. This lack of understanding is one of the many problems that stand in the way of eliminating food insecurity and feeding a growing population.
Courses within agricultural education provide individuals with a deep knowledge of agricultural business, agricultural mechanics, agriscience research, animal science, food science, horticulture, natural resources, and more. Additionally, these classes teach students the foundations of agriculture and ways to apply those principles to their lives. In cities, students can be observed growing herbs and small-garden plants, and they have an in-depth understanding of the food they consume. Meanwhile, in rural locations, students may raise chickens in their backyards or install solar panels on their roofs to help run the farm more efficiently. All these are ways that agricultural education reduces the disconnect between farm and table; they also empower people to enhance food security and agricultural literacy globally.
The value of agricultural education can also extend into other areas of an individual’s life, such as by providing leadership, personal, and career opportunities. Courses use experiential learning to help students understand the field while developing their communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. This experiential educational approach is also apparent in agricultural student organizations, including 4H, the National FFA Organization, and the Agriculture Future of America. The clubs include competitive contests, regional conventions, and educational awards. The practical skills gained through classes and extracurriculars are highly valued by employers, even in non-agricultural fields, meaning that agriculture majors are especially employable.
In order to feed 9.7 billion people by 2050, we will need to invest deeply in agricultural education. It reconnects our producers and consumers and creates a sense of unity as we work towards eliminating worldwide hunger for a growing population. It also empowers individuals to take a more active role in feeding the world. So the next time you think about taking a new class or selecting a new major, consider studying agriculture.
If this article has interested you in the field of agriculture education and being part of the solution to feeding almost ten billion people, check out the Alhambra – U.S. Chamber’s Partner University Program to investigate potential universities to study agriculture. You can also feel free to learn more by following our social media channels!
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