Extension
It Starts With Us
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Susan Fox
ANR Biotechnology
The scientific aspects of GE crops (=GMOs) are not widely understood. Furthermore, credible scientific information is sometimes misrepresented in the public domain. While value judgements rightfully drive public decision-making, the public has the right to credible scientific information as it deliberates controversial issues such as this. Other technologies on the farm such as drone use and irrigation technologies are being evaluated and implemented.
Farmer interest in drones is very high. Applications for using drones are being developed. Use a drone to work with farmers on demonstrating the technology and evaluating potential applications for area farming.
Agricultural producers and consumers will:
• Understand the science of agricultural biotechnology
• Be confident to make informed decisions on crop/food selection
• Be able to critically evaluate biotechnology information in the media and on-line
Improved communication between consumers and producers within communities
Profitable use of drones on the farm.
Consumers will:
• Evaluate their personal position on labeling of GE foods
• Make informed food choices with respect to biotechnology
• Relate the use of biotechnology to major issues confronting agriculture (nutrition, invasive pests and disease, pesticide use, etc.)
• Be able to locate unbiased information on Ag biotechnology
Agricultural producers will:
• Make informed decisions about use of GE in Ag production
• Discuss how they use biotechnology to residents within their communities (schools, churches, etc.)
Farmers will use drones for appropriate applications on the farm.
Consumers will be able to:
• Define biotechnology
• Describe how it is used in agriculture
• Understand why biotechnology is used in agriculture
• Discuss its benefits, risks and limitations
• Distinguish between GE and non-GE foods
• Restate the issues with labeling GE food
• Seek non-biased, scientific information and analyze it to evaluate the issue of genetically-engineered foods
• Understand how biotech information on the internet and through the media may be prejudiced
Agricultural producers will:
• Acquire the resources related to explain Ag biotechnology to others in their communities
Awareness of drone applications.
Producers and consumers understand how biotechnology is regulated
Initial Outcome: General public awareness on the science of GE crops
Indicator: Client feedback.
Method: News articles on food production.
Timeline: Summer and fall of 2017
Initial Outcome: General awareness of drone technology and potential uses, apps that are available.
Indicator: Client discussions.
Method: On-farm use of the drone to fly fields.
Timeline: Summers, 2017-2018
Audience: Farmers
Project or Activity: Newsletters, articles, on-farm demonstrations
Content or Curriculum: drone technologies
Inputs: UK drone information, drone apps, drone
Date: Growing seasons, 2017-2018
Audience: Farmers
Project or Activity: Newsletters, articles
Content or Curriculum: GE technologies
Inputs: Materials from GE classes
Date: 2017-2018
Audience: Master Gardeners and Consumers
Project or Activity: Newsletters, articles
Content or Curriculum: GE technologies
Inputs: Materials from GE classes
Date: 2017-2018
