Survey shows only 22% of high schools teaching ag science

A new study has found that more than 80 percent of high school science teachers surveyed think agricultural science is important, but only 22 percent say it makes up at least some of their lesson plans. Sponsored by Bayer in collaboration with National 4-H Council, the survey found that fewer than half of the teachers surveyed felt qualified to teach agri-science. Some 48 percent believe there is less emphasis placed on learning this particular STEM industry today as compared to 15 years ago. “Food security, reliable access to safe and affordable food, is one of the most significant challenges of our time with most experts predicting that by 2050, population demands from nearly 10 billion people will require a 60 percent increase in global food production,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of National 4-H Council. “Science matters now more than ever. We need to create educational opportunities that inspire a new generation of leaders willing to tackle this challenge.” Bayer and National 4-H Council also conducted a survey of more than 1,000 parents of high school students. The survey found that 86 percent of parents agree it’s important for the country’s future success to encourage pursuit of careers in the agricultural industries, and 68 percent said the industry provides exciting career opportunities. However, nearly 70 percent of respondents do not believe their children will pursue a career in agri-science, even though data from the United States Department of Agriculture shows tens of thousands of jobs each year in agriculture go unfilled by qualified candidates...MORE