Innovation and Change
Interview
a person involved in farming about changes that have
occurred in his/her work over the last 10 years. Write an article
about this person and submit it to a local magazine or newspaper.
 Bill
Robbins on how technology influences agricultural population
Investigate
technological developments relevant to agriculture (e.g.
new pest control methods such as field scouting and insect pheremone
interference, satellite technology and scientific irrigation scheduling,
food irradiation, high pressure food processing, contour plowing,
crop rotation, genetic breeding). Prepare a report on the ways
in which they have impacted and transformed the farming industry.
Develop
and present a slide program that details what you think
the future of farming in Oregon will be. How will population pressures
on our resource base of land and water, global competition, and
a changing customer base affect the industry?
Explore
how Oregon farmers have shifted their crops to reflect
consumer demand — for example, wheat farmers in the Willamette
Valley switched to grass seed, sweet corn farmers near Portland
switched to nursery stock, and apple farmers in Wasco County switched
to growing higher-valued sweet cherries. What other higher-valued
niche markets have developed?
Invite
a guest speaker to discuss the movement away from producing
raw agricultural products (like potatoes) to adding value through
food processing (frozen french fries). What value-added products
are processed in your area?
Research
and debate the following biotechnology questions: Does
genetic engineering enhance or endanger the safety of the food
supply? Should genetically engineered foods be labeled? Will genetic
engineering contribute to meeting future needs for food and nutritional
improvements in diets? Could genetic engineering affect species
or habitats> Do the risks of genetic engineering outweigh the
benefits?
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