Agriculture will continue to face many challenges both presently and in the future.  A decreasing portion of the population has exposure to agriculture and how their food is produced.  This certainly creates misconceptions and lack of education about food production in the United States.  Long-term this will most certainly lead to increasing political and social challenges for agriculture.  Amid these challenges, it is projected that current agricultural production must double over the next 25 years to continue to feed the world’s growing population.  For these reasons, the Simpson County Ag Advisory Council has placed an emphasis on increasing agricultural awareness locally.

An ongoing effort has resulted in tremendously successful agriculture awareness programming over the past 4 years in Simpson County.  The Extension Service has taken a lead role in this effort along with the Soil Conservation District, Farm Bureau Federation, Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce and passionate local farmers. 

Some of the programs that have been offered include Twilight Farm Tours, Ag Appreciation Breakfasts, Boofest which includes an entire street focused on agriculture awareness and education, Teach KY Ag program for school children, and the Hometown Harvest Dinner focusing on local food products.  Annual direct contacts through Agriculture Awareness events has ranged from 2,510 to 4,500 children and adults each year.  Based on evaluations, most participants in these programs have indicated that they are more knowledgeable about the food production process.  Many have indicated that they better understand GMOs and feel safe about consuming GMO products.  A large percentage of our youth have also developed a thorough understanding of the food production process and the importance of proper nutrition.