Friday, February 23rd 2024 12:40 PM
During National FFA Week, the governor announced that the number of agriculture teachers has increased by more than 75% since 2016. FFA chapters and membership continue to grow and now have 200 chapters throughout the state
During National FFA Week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State's agricultural education and FFA programs are experiencing “significant growth.”
Her team says, “Since 2016, the number of agriculture teachers has increased to 412 in 2023, an increase of more than 75% from 2016. Additionally, New York's FFA chapter and membership numbers continue to grow; 36 new FFA chapters have been established since 2022.” Since 2016, there have been 89 FFA chapters, for a total of 200 FFA chapters across New York. ”
The Governor's 2024 State of the Union and 2025 Budget both prioritize agricultural education, with $1.25 million dedicated to creating a Youth Agricultural Leadership Council and supporting FFA, an increase of $250,000 from last year.
“As a former 4-H kid, I know how important agricultural education is in developing a generation of leaders who understand where our food comes from, value the work of farmers, and are committed to supporting the farming community. I know firsthand,” Hochul said. . “From agriculture to food science, biotechnology, engineering, veterinary medicine and more, there are endless opportunities for students to build careers in agriculture. New York City continues to support dedicated educators and build these important programs across the state. We will continue to expand.”
The press release states, “With the increase in the number of agriculture teachers through programs such as Cornell University's Agricultural Education and Outreach Program, the New York Agriculture Classroom, and the New York State FFA Association, more schools and students can participate in formal agricultural training. It has become so.” The agricultural curriculum provides a direct boost to the pipeline of students entering the agricultural industry as a future career.
“As the number of teachers has grown, so has the number of FFA certifiers and members. With 200 chapters established in 53 of New York State's 62 counties, there are now nearly 12,000 FFA members in New York State. , up from 9,300 in 2022. In 2016, the state agriculture commissioner asked FFA to increase the number of licenses statewide. Since then, 89 have been created, and FFA is close to reaching that goal. Masu.”
The New York FFA Association is a youth organization that helps middle and high school students become leaders in a variety of career fields, including agriculture. Budget 2024 invested $2 million to support New York FFA, the Agricultural Education Association, and the New York Agriculture Classroom. and $50,000 was allocated to support the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) program.
The Governor proposes holding a Youth Agricultural Leadership Conference, increasing support for FFA in the Executive Budget by $250,000 to a total of $1.25 million, supporting the New York Agriculture Classroom Program and increasing the number of certified agricultural educators. He proposed appropriating $1 million. state. In addition, his $250,000 in support of urban agriculture education and his $50,000 in the MANRRS program are included in the executive budget.
National FFA Week, celebrated February 17-24, celebrates the positive impact that FFA and agricultural education programs have on students in New York and across the nation.
“Our agriculture teachers and FFA leaders are extremely passionate about building the future of this industry,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. , is the driving force behind a strong program that helps you develop the skills you need to succeed in agriculture and related industries. When you look at our school's agriculture programs and FFA students, you will find that our industry We are optimistic and excited about the future of agriculture. We would like to thank our existing agriculture teachers and FFA leaders for their dedication and welcome the new teachers who are embarking on this important initiative of educating our youth. I also want to thank the Governor and the Legislature for their continued support of these important programs that will have a lasting impact and continue to impact generations to come.”
“Whether it's starting a chapter in a new community or a student embarking on a journey toward relevant personal success, New York State FFA's story is one of growth,” said Julia Trosky, New York State FFA Director. Ta. I am very proud of the work our teachers do to foster an environment where students have opportunities to grow. We know how much work it takes to advance communities through agriculture, beyond the classroom and beyond the grade level. ”
“New York State FFA has the opportunity to witness tremendous growth within our members, communities, and chapters,” said New York State FFA President Ella Anderberg. It helped me gain a new perspective on what it means to be passionate.”
“We are thrilled to be working with Cornell University to bring together the world's most innovative and innovative technology,” said Benjamin Z. Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. We are celebrating the growth of agricultural science education across our state's rural and urban communities and expanding the knowledge and skills of young people who translate this knowledge into future action for the benefit of all New Yorkers. I am excited. ”
“Agriculture teachers are the foundation of every FFA chapter in the state,” said Shari Lighthall, director of agricultural education outreach in Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “These teachers prepare students for careers and promote agricultural literacy. We provide opportunities to develop and open the door to growth and opportunity for our students every day from our local classrooms. Every blue jacket you see has a caring adult pushing them to succeed. Nationwide At a time when there is a shortage of agricultural teachers, we are proud of all the work we do to place qualified teachers in the classroom.”
Katie Carpenter, director of the New York Agriculture Classroom, said: Creating an agriculturally literate generation will ensure a future workforce that thinks thoughtfully and critically about food systems. This investment in young people and teachers is an exciting advancement for authentic learning experiences through agriculture. ”
The press release adds, “FFA, operated by Cornell University in New York, fosters the best in leadership, personal growth, and career success through national activities and opportunities.” FFA was founded in 1928 by a group of young farmers. Their mission was to prepare future generations for the challenge of feeding a growing population. They showed that farming is more than just planting and harvesting, it is a science, a business, and an art.
“FFA continues to help the next generation rise to the challenge by developing their unique talents and exploring their interests in a wide range of career paths.”
For more information about NY FFA, please visit www.nysffa.org.