Exploration of Agricultural Literacy and Importance of Agricultural Practices among College Students at a Liberal Arts University

Wyndsor II

The role of agriculture in the economy and society remains relevant as the industry provides 11% of employment and affordable access to healthy food which promote health and wellbeing. However, without adequate agricultural literacy, individuals may not be able to make safe and healthy food choices. To explore the level of agricultural literacy of college students, a 43-item questionnaire was developed and will be administered at a Liberal Arts University in the Southeastern United States. The aim of the study is to determine agricultural literacy scores and the importance of agricultural practices among college students who are not and will not be enrolled in agricultural courses and who do not plan to pursue a career in agriculture. Data collected will be examined to determine whether agricultural literacy is related to the importance of agricultural practices and whether relationships between demographic characteristics and agricultural literacy scores are present