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The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture (AFBFA) is stepping up its efforts to educate middle school students about the importance of biotechnology.

AFBFA will produce a biotechnology video and learning kit for middle school science classes throughout the United States. The video and educational materials will be distributed through sources such as the Agriculture in the Classroom program and National Science Teachers Association. The kit also can be integrated with AFBFA's "Breakthroughs in Biotechnology" consumer outreach initiative that reaches adult consumer audiences with positive messages about agricultural biotechnology.

Progress reports from "Breakthroughs in Biotechnology" show consumer interest in biotechnology is high, but there is only limited understanding about fundamental biotech procedures and processes. "Consumers need a basic understanding of biotechnology to realize the opportunities it provides to help farmers produce safe, high-quality food and fiber at attractive prices," said Laurie Wink, AFBFA director of agricultural education.

Funding for AFBFA comes through the Philip Morris 2002 Shared Solutions Agricultural Initiative. Through outreach efforts of Shared Solutions, Philip Morris has become a leader in working with farmers and ranchers to address issues common to agricultural producers and ag-based consumer products companies. The Philip Morris operating companies – Kraft Foods North America, Miller Brewing Company and Philip Morris U.S.A. – are among the nation's largest purchasers of agricultural commodities.