A recent survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers, found that 94% of consumers have no direct connection to agriculture. The survey also indicated that 86% of those consumers are concerned with agricultural practices. Agriculture is the process of cultivating the earth and animals so that life can be sustained. Without agriculture, we do not eat. Without agriculture, we would not be clothed. Without agriculture, we would have limited transportation options. It is the single most important part of survival but most do not understand the process.

The problem isn't specific to the United States. In fact, one in six children from the United Kingdom (ages seven to 11) are unaware of where fruits and vegetables come from. One in 25 children believe farmers grow mud.**

We need to educate our children in the basics of survival - agriculture.

This petition serves as a request to amend H.R. 5031, STEM Education Act of 2014, to read as the STEAM Education Act including Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Mathematics. Additionally, the petition requests the involvement of the House Committee on Agriculture and/or the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Nutrition.

The addition of agriculture in H.R. 5031 will:

• mandate education of the most basic form of survival - agriculture
• allow for agriculture education support from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture in teaching K-12 students at a more advanced level
• require learning, research, programs and other agriculture resources to be made available to K-12 students, K-12 teachers, extension and the general public
• potentially decrease childhood obesity and encourage a more balanced diet
• better position the United States to become more competitive in agricultural markets
• reduce overall miscommunication and misinformation pertaining to our food, fiber and fuel systems

*https://www.bayercropscience.us/~/media/Bayer Cr...

**http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2690980/Th...