MISSION To provide scientifically based, accurate information to the public regarding the safety and value of American agricultural food production. Presented to: Legislative Agriculture Chairs Presented by: David Flakne, MACA Executive Board Secretary/Treasurer January 23-25, 2009

Who are our ambassadors ? 150 Industry professionals from:  Any business engaged in the manufacture or formulation, and/or distribution, and/or supplier of products or services to the agriculture chemical industry.  Ag Media: print, broadcast  Public Relations: Osborn & Barr Communications  Non-Profit Organizations: Illinois Agri-Women, National Association of AgriMarketing  Agriculture Educators: Farm Bureaus, Extension Services  Policy Makers… You? Where are we? Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin

 Adopted and funded by MACA since  Targeting: 4th – 6th Grade Students in public, private or parochial schools Scout Organizations, Summer Camp Programs, & Further Expanding into Civic Groups.  Program quality rated as a 4.5 on a scale of 1 (low) - 5 (high) by educators  Aligned with National Education Standards Contact Information: Janet Braun, Program Coordinator ,000 elementary age children reached from

America’s Abundance - Increased food & fiber production in spite of decreasing availability of farmland. How chemical, biological and mechanical technology relate to six topics: Feeding Planet Earth – Food & fiber demands will increase along with the increase in population to 10 billion by 2050.

Farmers, Stewards of the Land - Technology allows for sustainable food production, decreased soil erosion and higher yields. Farm Fueled: Biofuels - Finding new ways to meet fuel demands from biomass.

Careers Across the Spectrum – Agriculture offers opportunities across the spectrum and require highly educated and trained professionals. War of the Weeds – Crop production without herbicides would result in less yield, more farm acreage, increased labor needs, more soil cultivation and erosion.

Future Goals: Presentation Materials on Water Issues and Food Safety Yearly increase in new ambassadors by 20% Yearly increase in requests for ambassadors Expand financial support for the program

Result: An informed public will be more supportive of rural issues and agricultural policy. Action by State Legislative Agriculture Chairs:  Support communication about the CropLife Ambassador Network at the state level.  Share with other committees or caucus