[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 139 (Thursday, October 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMENDING THE YOUTH ENTERPRISE IN AGRICULTURE (YEA) PROGRAM

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                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 14, 1999

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the Youth 
Enterprise in Agriculture (YEA) program, that has worked so hard to 
teach young people in Arkansas about the importance of agriculture. 
Farming has been in my family for generations and I believe that it is 
one of the most noble professions on earth. I am proud that the YEA 
program works to teach young people about farming and encourages them 
to get involved in agricultural careers.
  The YEA program was established at the Arkansas Land and Farm 
Development Corporation in 1991. It was designed as an agricultural 
career and leadership development program for high school youth to help 
preserve the small family farm by enhancing youth interest toward 
farming as a business enterprise and agriculture-related careers. 
Through work experience, classroom education, leadership development 
training and career goal-setting, participants are encouraged to 
continue their education and pursue agriculture-related careers.
  YEA provides students, ages 16-19 from Arkansas, Illinois and 
Mississippi with career and leadership development activities. In the 
2-year active training phase, students are offered paid internships 
with Arkansas family farmers who provide training, work experiences and 
exposure to agriculture as a lifestyle and business. The YEA program 
has played an important role in boosting the number of students that 
are exploring careers in agriculture-related fields.
  Through the program, many young people have become strong advocates 
for agriculture and its diversity and have a broad understanding and 
mind-set for becoming successful agri-business people and 
entrepreneurs. These youth represent the next generation of rural 
leaders and agriculture professionals.
  Though only in its ninth year of operation, YEA has been a remarkable 
success, and has played an important part in the agricultural arena and 
rural community development and I wish this program more continued 
success in the future.

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