Pearce, Amy R. (author), Romero, Aldemaro (author), and Zibluk, John B. (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
2010
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D06835
Notes:
Pages 235-252 in LeeAnn Kahlor and Patricia A. Stout (eds.), Communicating science: new agendas in communication. Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group, New York, NY. 265 pages., Authors describe experiences at Arkansas State University, with special success found in team-taught (faculty, community), interdisciplinary science communication courses, related training workshops and continuing public outreach initiatives. Fourteen recommendations and considerations for offering such courses.
Busse, M. (author), Schwerdtner, W. (author), Siebert, R. (author), Doemberg, A. (author), Kuntosch, A. (author), König, B. (author), and Bokelmann, W. (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2015-09
Published:
Germany: Elsevier
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 161 Document Number: D07796
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C25759
Notes:
346 pages., Experiences of Dr. Jo Ann Burkholder and associates in trying to alert the scientific and general public to dangers posed by a toxic dinoflagellate, Pfiesteria. Confinement swine operations involved in polluting water systems.
19 pages., via online journal., The agricultural sector continues to be challenged by the public with respect to how it deals with a wide range of issues. These issues may be viewed as component parts of an implied “new contract” between society and agriculture. The “old contract” with society obligated agriculture to provide safe, wholesome, abundant food at affordable prices. The new contract includes several additional components including a heightened focus on food safety and quality, consideration of environmental impacts of agricultural production, and increased consideration for the well-being of animals. If production agriculture effectively deals with these new components, society will likely continue supporting the use of public sector resources for agricultural research, education, and commodity programs. Recent surveys indicate the agricultural sector faces a formidable challenge in dealing with issues involving the risks and benefits of agricultural production practices. This is due to a decline in consumer confidence in the safety of the food supply, the relative level of scientific literacy, and a growing mistrust of new technologies within some demographic groups. Surveys indicate scientists and extension professionals are trusted by the public and thus can play a key role in public education.
Administrators and peers must actively support and reward scientists and extension professionals for their contributions to public education. Educating the public requires an understanding that the public, in general, does not view risk from a quantitative standpoint but rather from a qualitative one. Effective public education activities should be based upon proven public policy education methodology. This approach encourages the educators to refrain from assuming an advocacy position and allows maximum opportunity for the public to be in control of the decision-making process as required in the democratic system.
