The Estill County Extension Council identified Diversifying local agriculture as an important need in Estill County. To address this need the local 4-H Youth Development Agent developed a program to introduce youth to how Ag. policy is created and how that relates to the crops grown in Estill County. Youth attended workshops teaching basic ag policy as we as how policy moved through government. At the end of this program, youth participated in an Ag Policy trip to Washington D.C. While in DC youth met with members of the Ag policy committee, local ag non-profits, and community members.

Situation

Estill County had a 17% decrees in the number of farms from the year 2007 to 2012. 

Educational response

Youth attended workshops teaching basic ag policy as we as how policy moved through government. At the end of this program, youth participated in an Ag Policy trip to Washington D.C. There were five classes with five participating in entire programs. 

Target Audience

The Ag policy program was offered to youth ages 12 to 18 years old.

                               Youth working with a local non-profit

Outcomes

At the end of the program, youth reported an increase in knowledge of the process policy has to go through to become official, how national policies impact their lives and the importance of working with elected officials. Youth also reported becoming more comfortable with public transit and were able to navigate the subway and bus system by the end of the week without adult guidance.