Agricultural Education and Communication
"The UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication (AEC) develops leaders, educators and communicators to meet the challenges society is facing in the agriculture and natural resource industries." --- About AEC
Useful Links
Editorial Team
- Brian Myers - Chair, Approver
- Matt Benge - Editor
- Alejandro Aguirre - ICS Editor
RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS
Diffusion of Innovation Explaining Support for Septic to Sewer System Conversion Programs Among Florida Residents: Lessons for Educators and Related Stakeholders
WC429/AEC768by Dharmendra Kalauni, Laura Warner, Lisa Krimsky, Shelli Rampold, and Sravani PasulaMay 2nd, 2023Water quality impaired by excess nutrients has been linked to negative effects on human health, the environment, and the economy. Residential septic systems (i.e., onsite sewage treatment) contribute to these excess nutrients. Conversion from a septic system to a sewer system (hereafter referred to as S2S) is one way to mitigate pollution from excess nutrients. There are voluntary and mandatory S2S conversion programs throughout and beyond Florida. While there are multiple benefits of making such a change, S2S conversion is a complex and costly process. This document was developed to aid environmental management professionals, policymakers, and communication and education professionals (e.g., Extension agents) in understanding residents’ perceptions pertaining to S2S conversion. More details on the study presented in this document are available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115651.Critical Issue: Water Quality and Conservation
Strategies to Increase the Adoption of Residential Pollinator Gardening: Tackling Perceived Barriers
WC428/AEC767by Colby Silvert, Laura A. Warner, John Diaz, Cody Gusto, and Rachel MallingerMay 1st, 2023Urbanization and development of managed landscapes can harm pollinators by reducing flowers and vegetation and increasing exposure to chemicals. However, research shows that urban, developed landscapes can be designed and maintained to successfully provide habitats for diverse, healthy pollinator populations, including bees. Therefore, a major opportunity and need exist for residents, particularly those living in urban areas, to support bees and other pollinators by adopting pollinator gardening in their landscapes. Based on recent research about significant barriers and solutions, this publication intends to guide Extension agents and other practitioners on how to best encourage and facilitate adoption of pollinator gardening by addressing residents’ perceptions.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems
Using Social Media to Engage Communities with Research: Accessibility
WC427/AEC766by Kathryn A. Stofer, Kirsten Hecht, and Lisa LundgrenJanuary 10th, 2023This new 6-page document, part of a series on using social media to engage communities with research, focuses on making your social media inclusive by integrating accessibility up front for individuals with disabilities of various types. Any Extension personnel, researchers, and other public engagement and communications personnel can benefit from these strategies. Written by Kathryn A. Stofer, Kirsten Hecht, and Lisa Lundgren, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.Critical Issue: Other
Addressing Labor Needs by Understanding Grower Perceptions about Adoption of Automated Nursery Technologies: A Resource for US Extension Professionals
WC425/AEC764by Laura A. Warner, Alicia L. Rihn, Amy Fulcher, Susan Schexnayder, Anthony V. LeBude, Lloyd Nackley, Margarita Velandia, and James AltlandDecember 14th, 2022This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication presents research assessing how nursery growers perceive automated and mechanized nursery technologies (ANTs) and determine how these perceptions relate to adoption. This information could guide the development of Extension programs that help nursery operations make informed decisions about ANT adoption and identify ANT characteristics that are positively correlated with ANT adoption. This document was designed for Extension professionals and other practitioners who serve nursery grower clientele across the United States, including companies developing and marketing ANTs to nursery operations. Written by Laura A. Warner, Alicia L. Rihn, Amy Fulcher, Susan Schexnayder, Anthony V. LeBude, Lloyd Nackley, Margarita Velandia, and James Altland.Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems
Relying on Research for Effective Response: A Survey Tool for Measuring the Impact of COVID-19 to Create Extension Resources
WC426/AEC765by Lauri M. Baker, Ashley McLeod-Morin, Shelli Rampold, Anissa Zagonel, Ricky Telg, Angela B. Lindsey, Michaela Kandzer, Sandra Anderson, Sydney Honeycutt, Phillip Stokes, Valentina Castano, and Alena PoulinDecember 14th, 2022The UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (PIE Center) conducted a series of national public opinion surveys to examine the perceptions of Americans related to COVID-19. The PIE Center shared the survey data using Extension and outreach communication pieces, including issue guides, kinetic typography videos, webinars, and communication toolkits. Data collected from the PIE Center on Americans’ perceptions related to COVID-19 also informed two communication toolkits developed for Extension. This new 5-page article, published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, describes the instruments used to collect public opinion data related to COVID-19. Written by Lauri M. Baker, Ashley McLeod-Morin, Shelli Rampold, Anissa Zagonel, Ricky Telg, Angela B. Lindsey, Michaela Kandzer, Sandra Anderson, Sydney Honeycutt, Phillip Stokes, Valentina Castano, and Alena Poulin.Critical Issue: Other
