WHAT OHIO EXTENSION AGENTS SAY ABOUT SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Virtually all scientists agree that the ecosystem represents a web of life. Changes in the plant, animal or human sphere are likely to trigger changes in one or more of the spheres and in the ecological system as a whole. Understanding this interconnectedness of life is basic for everyone. Education on the ecological aspects of agriculture is only now being promoted under the rubric of agricultural sustainability. In general, sustainable agriculture enjoins farmers to reduce their usage of petrochemicals on the land. While a few part-time and small-scale farmers are quick to catch on to the new practice, commercial farmers and megafarm operators are still examining the risks involved. Extension agents could play a key role in helping these commercial farmers in their decision-making processes regarding the environment. The question is whether Extension agents understand environmental concepts themselves. This study found that Extension workers in Ohio who responded to the survey lack a firm understanding of sustainable agriculture. While research findings necessary to convince these agents about the scientific basis of agroecology abound, these may not be available to Extension agents. Extension agents have expressed a need for training in sustainable agriculture. It is recommended that The Ohio State University Extension Service organize regular inservice training programs to prepare these agents adequately so that they, in turn, can educate their farmers. In the long run, the study urges agricultural education departments in land-grant universities to include sustainable agricultural education as a part of the curriculum for extension graduates. Finally, the researcher found that there exists a communication gap between members of the sustainable agriculture movement and extension agents. This gap must be narrowed through open discussions and increased flow of information in both directions.