Program: Biotechnology Strategic Initiative Logic Model

Situation: The scientific aspects of GE crops (=GMOs) are not widely understood. Furthermore, credible scientific information is sometimes misrepresented in the public domain. While value judgements rightfully drive public decision-making, the public has the right to credible scientific information as it deliberates controversial issues such as this.

Inputs / / Outputs / /

Outcomes -- Impact

Activities / Participation /
Short (Knowledge Acquired)
/
Medium (Behavioral Choices)
/
Long
UK/KSU college of ag professionals
(Ag/Hort/FCS/4-H agents, specialists)
Research information
Commodity producers
Ag industry representatives
Commodity associations
(ex: Agri Business Assoc. of KY, Soybean board, KY Vegetable Growers Assoc.)
State and federal agencies
(ex: KY Dept. of Agric., USDA, EPA, FDA) / Master Gardener trainings
Demonstrations / plot trials
(including hands-on training)
Public workshops and forums
Field days
Conferences
Publications and other extension materials
Videos / podcasts
Media
(ex: social media, blogs, radio,
TV, newspaper, newsletters, etc.) / Master Gardeners
Agricultural producers
Farmer's market producers and
vendors
Certified 4-H volunteers
Industry representatives
Agents, state and federal agency
representatives
Consumers / Consumers will be able to:
·  Define biotechnology
·  Describe how it is used in agriculture
·  Understand why biotechnology is used in agriculture
·  Discuss its benefits, risks and limitations
·  Distinguish between GE and non-GE foods
·  Restate the issues with labeling GE food
·  Seek non-biased, scientific information and analyze it to evaluate the issue of genetically-engineered foods
·  Understand how biotech information on the internet and through the media may be prejudiced
Agricultural producers will:
·  Acquire the resources related to explain Ag biotechnology to others in their communities
Producers and consumers understand how biotechnology is regulated / Consumers will:
·  Evaluate their personal position on labeling of GE foods
·  Make informed food choices with respect to biotechnology
·  Relate the use of biotechnology to major issues confronting agriculture (nutrition, invasive pests and disease, pesticide use, etc.)
·  Be able to locate unbiased information on Ag biotechnology
Agricultural producers will:
·  Make informed decisions about use of GE in Ag production
·  Discuss how they use biotechnology to residents within their communities (schools, churches, etc.) / Agricultural producers and consumers will:
·  Understand the science of agricultural biotechnology
·  Be confident to make informed decisions on crop/food selection
·  Be able to critically evaluate biotechnology information in the media and on-line
Improved communication between consumers and producers within communities
Assumptions / External Factors
That the information presents all sides of the issue in an understandable manner for critical discussion and exercises that lead people to reflect personally and make decisions. / The laws and regulations for genetically engineered foods and food labeling.
Major food manufacturers and distributors use of labeling and marketing methods for genetically engineered ingredients.
Media and internet influence and messaging on the issue of genetic engineering in agriculture and foods.