Lyon County CES

Title:

Biotechnology

MAP:

Biotechnology

Agents Involved:

Susan Fox

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

ANR Biotechnology

Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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.

Intermediate Outcomes:

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.)

Initial Outcomes:

Consumers or ag producers 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

•Acquire the resources related to explain Ag biotechnology to others in their communities

Producers and consumers understand how biotechnology is regulated

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: General public awareness on the science of GE crops

Indicator: Client feedback.

Method: News articles on food production.

Timeline:2018-2019

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Newsletters, articles

Content or Curriculum: GE technologies

Inputs: Materials from GE classes

Date: 2019-2020

Audience: Master Gardeners and Consumers

Project or Activity: Newsletters, articles

Content or Curriculum: GE technologies

Inputs: Materials from GE classes

Date: 2019=2020