Spanning the Gap: The Confluence of Agricultural Literacy and Being Agriculturally Literate

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the confluence of agricultural literacy, what it means to be agriculturally literate, and if a gap between agricultural literacy and being agriculturally literate existed. Two primary research questions framed this study: 1) How do agriculture professionals define agricultural literacy? 2) What does it mean to be agriculturally literate? While the terms literacy and literate are often used synonymously they have important and different meanings. This study used the Delphi Study Technique for determining consensus. The Delphi panel consisted of engaged agricultural professionals from seven states. These professions represented a broad spectrum of agricultural careers and experience. Each panel member was recognized as a leader in his or her field. The findings indicated that participants did not discern a difference between agricultural literacy and being agriculturally literate in regards to reading, writing, and speaking about agriculture. This study supports the conclusion that the terms agriculturally literate and agricultural literacy are used interchangeably. Agricultural professional may not be aware of the inherent differences between possessing agricultural literacy and being agriculturally literate.