As Others See Plant Pathologists

Abstract

Industrial concerns engaged in research, development, and sales of agricultural pesticides and processors of food and feed are concerned about the public image of all agricultural disciplines. They believe sociopolitical implications will be of utmost importance to the successful marketing of potentially useful pesticides. Since the voice of agriculture is waning socially and politically, new strength may be needed from the leaders of the scientific disciplines which comprise the whole of agriculture. A director of the Agriculture Division of a National Trade Association stated believe agriculture in general is struggling with the same problems, and I don't believe any of the groups with which I am associated have come up with a real solution to the problem. As far as his organization was concerned, the image of plant pathologists is excellent. This association at one time spent $100,000 a year employing a public relations firm to develop material and programs that would present their image in a favorable light, but the program did not develop to their satisfaction and now they conduct their own public relations program.