Agricultural Literacy Definitions
The evolution of the term agricultural literacy over the past several decades.
2014
A Logic Model for Agricultural Literacy Programming by
Authors of the Agricultural Literacy Logic Model use the following simple definition of an agriculturally literate person. This is the definition that guides NCAL’s work.
An agriculturally literate person understands and can communicate the source and value of agriculture as it affects our quality of life.
2013
Pillars of Agricultural Literacy by
With their pillars of agricultural literacy framework, the American Farm Bureau uses the following definition of what an agriculturally literate person should know.
Broadly, individuals should know that agriculture is, ‘all of the industries and processes involved in the production and delivery of food, fiber and fuel that humans need to survive and thrive.
Two Decades of Agricultural Literacy Research: A Synthesis of the Literature by
The authors reviewed research on agricultural literacy since the 1988 Understanding Agriculture publication and offered the following thoughts on agricultural literacy.
An agriculturally literate population is able to see beyond emotional pleas and make informed decisions on [agricultural] these issues. A society with an understanding of agriculture and current economic, social, and environmental impacts could lessen current challenges facing agriculture through good decision making along with providing the necessary support.
2008
Agricultural Literacy: Clarifying a Vision for Practical Application by
In this literature review, the authors provide the following explanation of agricultural literacy.
Agricultural literacy revolves around the ability to think critically and make value judgments about the impact of agriculture as an economic and environmental activity and the concurrent societal and political pressures that result from those judgments. An agriculturally literate person should be able to analyze and evaluate “trade-offs” to individuals and to society resulting from agricultural enterprises. The nature of the decisions and value judgments drive the agricultural content. Understanding of agriculture is demonstrated by the ability to enter into discourse about and make decisions in response to choices facing society.
2003
Rural Elementary Students’ Understandings of Science and Agricultural Education Benchmarks Related to Meat and Livestock by
The researchers conducted a qualitative study to assess the understanding of fifth grade students regarding meat and livestock concepts. During this work, the authors suggested the following updated definition of agricultural literacy.
Agricultural literacy entails knowledge and understanding of agriculturally related scientific and technologically-based concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity. At a minimum, if a person were literate about agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resource systems, he or she would be able to a) engage in social conversation, b) evaluate the validity of media, c) identify local, national, and international issues, and d) pose and evaluate arguments based on scientific evidence. Because agriculture is a unique culture, an understanding of beliefs and values inherent in agriculture should also be included in a definition of agricultural literacy so people can become engaged in the system.
1991
A Definition and the Concepts of Agricultural Literacy by
The following definition from Frick et al. guided the development of the first agricultural literacy standards.
Agricultural literacy can be defined as possessing knowledge and understanding of the food and fiber system. An individual possessing such knowledge would be able to synthesize, analyze, and communicate basic information about agriculture.
1988
Understanding Agriculture: New Directions for Education by
The National Research Council – the same group that created the National Science Education Standards – effectively coined the term “agricultural literacy” when they published the consensus report, Understanding Agriculture: New Directions for Education and provided the following definition of an agriculturally literate person.
An agriculturally literate person would understand the food and fiber system and this would include its history and its current economic, social and environmental significance to all Americans.