“Agriculture” Is Not a Dirty Word

Abstract

Agricultural science is ripe for a renaissance. For too many years, the agriculture sciences have been disparaged in the science and education communities, perhaps because agronomy, soil science, plant pathology, and animal science use a problem-solving approach rather than simply seeking knowledge. When science research funds are handed out—for example, in the federal stimulus bill—agriculture often gets left off the list. I suspect this is because policy-makers and some scientists see “agriculture” as synonymous with “agribusiness,” rather than as a purely scientific discipline, and they assume private funding will take care of agriculture-related research needs. Agricultural scientists at land-grant institutions do receive some research dollars from noncompetitive sources, but not all research is funded this way. ![Figure][1] CREDIT: DAVID HANSEN/UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Adding insult to injury, the major U.S. science journals don't devote specific sections or editors to agricultural research. Some schools of agriculture have taken the word “agriculture” out of their names, presumably to attract more students in a country where only 2% of the population farms. (It hasn't worked: Enrollment in university agricultural science majors has dropped steadily nationwide since the early 1980s.) In short, agricultural science has an image problem. Our disciplines are not considered relevant and, more disturbing, we're not seen as a source of solutions to many of the world's most pressing challenges, even though many of those challenges directly relate to agricultural science. That's unfortunate, particularly in a world where people are starving or eating unsafe food, where climate change will affect every aspect of 21st-century life, and where new kinds of sustainable fuel are needed. The urgency of these global issues—all of them related to the agricultural sciences—amplifies the need for an applied-science approach. Agricultural scientists can do amazing things when they combine their expertise and have access to the resources they need. Recently, scientists at an international conference in Mexico announced that they have found a wheat variety that is resistant to Ug99—a strain of stem rust that could affect up to 90% of the world's wheat ([ 1 ][2]). Although the scientists have not completely eliminated the threat, it's clearly a breakthrough with enormous implications. Other recent signs also point to a renewed interest in and respect for agriculture. When the first lady plants a vegetable garden on the White House lawn for the first time in half a century, she's sending a strong message: Food is important. Books about eating a sustainable, healthy diet top our best-seller lists. The National Gardening Association expects a 19% jump in the number of people growing at least some of their own food this year. Clearly, a growing number of Americans are interested in where their food comes from, even on a small scale. The 2008 Farm Bill creates the National Institute for Food and Agriculture, which will be headed by a distinguished scientist directly appointed by the president. A small thing, perhaps, but it elevates agriculture to a level of prominence along the lines of health and other sciences. The farm bill also increases funding for competitive grants in both basic and applied agricultural research, which will provide opportunities for advanced study. Enrollment is up 16% since 2005 among college students in the professional associations that specialize in soil and crop sciences and agronomy, which suggests that today's students are interested in learning more about agricultural and environmental issues. Job prospects also are good; the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for agricultural and food scientists will be at least average overall and much higher than average in some specialties. In the long run, does it really matter whether “agricultural scientists” are what we call the people who ensure a safe and plentiful food supply, clean water, and healthy soil? Maybe not, as long as this critical work is funded and accomplished. But as we move into a new era of shared accountability and responsibility, let's keep in mind that agricultural sciences affect us all, and when agricultural science is thriving, our communities likely are thriving, too. 1. [↵][3] 1. J. Vidal , “‘Stem rust’ fungus threatens global wheat harvest,” Guardian (19 March 2009); [www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/mar/19/rust-fungus-global-wheat-crops][4]. [1]: pending:yes [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1 in text [4]: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/mar/19/rust-fungus-global-wheat-crops