[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 78 (Thursday, June 13, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1027]]



   IN RECOGNITION OF THE 12TH ANNUAL TEACHERS ON AN AGRISCIENCE BUS 
                                PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. J. DENNIS HASTERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2002

  Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 12th Annual 
Teachers on an Agriscience Bus Program as well as the invaluable 
contributions it has made in expanding the understanding of agriculture 
and agriscience.
  First launched as a pilot program in June 1991, the Teachers on an 
Agriscience Bus Program was developed to include tours and seminars at 
a variety of agriscience industries in Chicago and the Western Suburbs. 
Tour hosts explain the multitude of career opportunities in agriscience 
and provide tours of their facilities, demonstrating the high-tech 
nature of the industry.
  In 1991, the program included 26 staff members from Naperville School 
District 203. However, it became evident to those involved that the 
wealth of information provided by the Program could serve a greater 
purpose by opening up the experience to neighboring school districts. 
To date, 504 participants from 30 school districts, many of which are 
located in my Congressional District, have taken part in the program.
  The agriculture industry in the State of Illinois is of primary 
important to the economy, not only to the state, but as one of the 
largest employers in the U.S. The youth of America, and particularly 
those in Illinois, need current, up-to-date, technological backgrounds 
in the importance of agriculture in their everyday lives and of the 
career opportunities available to them in the industry.
  As a former high school teacher, I can attest to the importance of 
continued innovative programs needed to reach our youth. The Teachers 
on an Agriscience Bus Program enables educators to share an awareness 
and appreciation for agriculture and agriscience career opportunities 
with their students. Participants in the Program have introduced 
approximately 60,000 students to the fact that agriscience and its 
related industries constitute more than just farming; today it is a 
highly technical, viable and sophisticated industry.
  Finally, I would like to point out that the continued success of the 
Teachers on an Agriscience Bus Program is due to the overwhelming 
support of the sponsoring organizations, including: the Midwest Dairy 
Association of Illinois, DuPage County Fair Association, DuPage County 
Farm Bureau, DuPage County Regional Office of Education, Illinois 
Landscape Contractors Association, Naperville Community Unit School 
District 203, Wheatland Plowing Match Association, DuPage Education to 
Careers System, 1st Farm Credit Services of Northern Illinois, Illinois 
Pork Producers and Illinois Agricultural Association Foundation.
  I commend everyone involved in the Teachers on an Agriscience Bus 
Program for their commitment to educate our children on the importance 
of agriculture and am hopeful they will continue to make a positive 
impact in the lives of students and staff for years to come.

                          ____________________