From The Harvester, fourth quarter 1994
A mouse to teach agriculture?
If only it were as easy as “point and
click” to raise a crop. Still, students in Dade County are learning about farming
through computer programs donated by FFVA. More than 40 Abundant Food
and Fiber programs were presented to Jose Marti and Redland
Middle Schools to
teach students about food production.
“This is an excellent program that is very popular with the
teachers and students,” Kathleen Senobe of the Dade County Farm
Bureau says. “We appreciate all the efforts FFVA is making to
ensure students are farm-literate in Florida.”
The computer-based lessons allow teachers to integrate agriculture
into the current curriculum, and that helps students understand how
farming impacts so many different parts of daily life.
“We understand the importance of raising ag-awareness in
Florida’s students,” says
FFVA Executive Director Mike Stuart. “It’s through pilot
programs such as this that we will keep future voters and consumers in
touch with our industry.”
In addition to the computer software donations, FFVA supports other
educational efforts and is a part of the state’s Ag in the
Classroom program. Says FFVA Communication & Education Division
Director Ray Gilmer, “By getting students onto the farm, literally
or through the use of computers, we are making an investment in the
future of Florida agriculture.”