Mr. Doug Mertens is from Columbia, Missouri and has been an Ambassador with CropLife Ambassador Network for over 10 years. In 1999, he became aware of CAN through a friend that he had went to college with. His friend was a teacher and wanted someone to talk to his students about agriculture.
Mr. Mertens is influenced to be an Ambassador because he says that “so many people don’t understand agriculture and this is an opportunity to share agriculture.” He loves what he gets to do everyday and he loves agriculture. During his presentations, he wants kids to understand that agriculture is important to them.
Mr. Mertens is an employee with Monsanto and states that they are very supportive of his involvement with CAN. They promote the business they are involved in. He feels that others should become an Ambassador because it is important to share with those that are not involved in agriculture. He states that “we have to tell our story, everyone in agriculture should become a spokesperson.”
Being an Ambassador is “a lot of fun,” said Mr. Mertens. “It is fun to work with kids and see the light-bulb go off.” In closing, Mr. Mertens said that being an Ambassador with CropLife Ambassador Network is “one of the coolest things I get to do.”
Each year, he does about 4 to 5 Ambassador visits per year. His next Ambassador visit is set for November 18 with 5th graders presenting “Farming & the Water Cycle” in Troy, Missouri at Main Street Elementary School.
