AGRICULTURE IS THE MOST BASIC INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES AND, AS OUR SOURCE OF FOOD, FEED, AND FIBER, OCCUPIES A KEY ROLE IN THE ECONOMY OF THE COUNTRY. CHANGING DEMANDS AND SCIENTIFIC DEVELOPMENTS HAVE CREATED A NEED FOR INCREASED EMPHASIS ON TRAINING INDIVIDUALS FOR EMPLOYMENT IN THE TOTAL INDUSTRY OF AGRICULTURE. THESE CHANGES HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION -- (1) THE IMPORTANCE OF PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE INCREASES AS THE POPULATION INCREASES, AS TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES REQUIRE ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS, AND AS TRAINING FOR FARMING OCCUPATIONS BECOMES MORE COMPLICATED, (2) MORE ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED BOTH IN AGRICULTURE AND OTHER OCCUPATIONS, AND (3) BECAUSE NONFARM AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES EMPLOY ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF ALL WORKERS, INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO MEET SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS SEEKING OFF-FARM AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT. PURPOSES, SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES, ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS, AND SAMPLE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION ARE INCLUDED. (WB)