Key Takeaways
- Governor Kathy Hochul announced the creation of a Blue-Ribbon Panel to Advance Agriculture Education, following New York’s first Youth Agriculture Conference.
- The panel will focus on strengthening agricultural education, addressing workforce needs, and promoting youth leadership.
- Nearly 300 students from FFA, 4-H, and MANRRS participated in the two-day conference in Albany, discussing challenges and opportunities in agriculture.
- $50,000 in additional funding has been allocated to Cornell University’s statewide 4-H program for strategic planning to support youth leadership.
- The panel will assess education opportunities, review certification processes, and provide a report to the Governor with next steps.
New Panel and Investments Target Agriculture Workforce Needs
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the establishment of a Blue-Ribbon Panel to Advance Agriculture Education during the state’s first Youth Agriculture Conference held at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The panel aims to strengthen agricultural education and address the workforce needs of New York’s food and agriculture industries. It will include stakeholders from the agriculture sector, educational institutions, and educators to assess barriers and opportunities in agriculture education and workforce systems.
The announcement follows a two-day conference attended by nearly 300 high school students from organizations including FFA, 4-H, and the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS). The conference featured breakout sessions and workshops to help students connect with leaders, explore career opportunities, and understand policy’s role in agriculture and natural resource industries.
Key Funding for Youth Programs
Governor Hochul also announced $50,000 in funding for Cornell University’s statewide 4-H program. The funds will support strategic visioning efforts to prepare New York’s youth for careers and leadership roles in agriculture over the next decade. The initiative will involve collaboration among state staff, county leaders, and youth to adapt programming to meet evolving needs.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated: “As a former 4-Her, I understand the importance of youth ag education and how valuable it is to ensuring we have a strong, vibrant agricultural industry. With additional funding and a new Blue-Ribbon Panel, we will pave a clear path forward for our next generation of agricultural leaders.”
Stakeholder Perspectives
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball remarked: “This first-ever Youth Agriculture Conference has brought together hundreds of passionate students from across New York. The conference, coupled with the Governor’s investments, will help shape a strong, sustainable agricultural industry for generations to come.”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey said: “The ideas and conversations sparked at this conference are critical to helping students discover tangible careers in agriculture. With the Blue-Ribbon Panel and leadership program investments, we are laying a foundation for the future of New York agriculture.”
Cornell University’s Julie Suarez, Associate Dean of Land Grant Affairs, added: “This event has energized us to build on New York State’s commitment to revitalizing agricultural education in urban, suburban, and rural communities.”
Blue-Ribbon Panel Objectives
The panel will focus on:
- Assessing opportunities to educate youth in the food and agriculture system.
- Reviewing agricultural teaching certifications.
- Supporting workforce systems in agriculture and food industries.
- Delivering a report to the Governor with recommendations and next steps.
The collaboration aims to align industry and education to create sustainable pathways for future agricultural professionals.
Youth Leadership at the Forefront
Speakers from 4-H, FFA, MANRRS, and Cornell University emphasized the role of youth in shaping the future of agriculture.
Ebony Webber, CEO of MANRRS, stated: “This event unites youth organizations to inspire and empower the next generation of agricultural leaders, fostering the skills and passion needed for a sustainable future in New York agriculture.”
Katie Carpenter, Director of New York Agriculture in the Classroom, added: “Today’s youth are the innovators who will shape a more resilient and sustainable food system, balancing food security with environmental stewardship.”
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