[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 21, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H8017-H8018]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE EDUCATION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the importance of agriculture education.
  Last week, we celebrated National Teach Ag Day. This recognition of 
agriculture education is more important than ever.
  The average age of the American farmer is around 57 years old. It is 
critical for our food security to inspire the next generation of 
agricultural leaders, and this starts in the classroom.
  I have had the privilege of spending time with agriculture educators 
in Pennsylvania and throughout our country. Programs like the Future 
Farmers of America and 4-H are strong advocates for advancing 
agriculture education and exposing our youth to the agriculture 
industry.
  Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to witness these 
agriculture programs firsthand. I visited fourth graders at Glendale 
Elementary School in Cambria County who were working closely with 
seniors from the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and 
Technology to bring textbooks to life. The lesson I participated in 
focused on science, soil, and agricultural operations. I had the 
opportunity to work directly with the students, where we discussed a 
plant's journey from seed to full growth. We examined soil, and 
students made observations of plant growth.
  We interact with agriculture at least three times a day, and it is 
critical that students have the opportunity to really learn about the 
industry and the career opportunities that it offers.
  In July, I joined CenClear and the YMCA of Centre County at the 
ribbon cutting of the antihunger program at Morgan Run Farm. This 
initiative will serve as a hands-on, community-centered educational 
tool to further families' understanding of agriculture processes, 
farming, nutrition, and community development.
  Right now, more than ever, we understand food security is national 
security, and a country that cannot feed itself often finds itself in 
turmoil. Programs like the antihunger program at Morgan Run and the 
science lesson at Glendale Elementary are the first steps in educating 
our youth about our food sources.
  As I mentioned earlier, we are at a critical point in our 
agricultural future, with the average age of our farmers hovering 
around 57 years old. It is important that we develop the next 
generation of farmers. That is why, in August, I held a listening 
session focused on the next generation of farmers.
  We discussed how we can engage and support our next generation of 
farmers and encourage youth to get involved in the agriculture 
industry. We had remarkable panelists who were incredibly accomplished 
in their fields. Together, we highlighted their work to promote 
innovative technologies that inspire and engage the next generation of 
agriculturists.

[[Page H8018]]

  As a senior member of the Education and Labor Committee, co-chair of 
the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, co-chair of the 
4-H Caucus, and proud member of the FFA Caucus, I am passionate about 
advancing agricultural education in schools.
  I take this moment to thank all of our agricultural educators across 
the country, the Commonwealth, and in the 15th Congressional District. 
Their work invests in our agriculture education and helps prepare the 
next generation of farmers, producers, and ranchers.
  I always enjoy my meetings with FFA and 4-H students, as they are 
clearly our future, and our conversations give me great hope in the 
direction of our agricultural community.

  Mr. Speaker, I, once again, thank all those involved in agricultural 
education and empowering our next generation of farmers.


               Celebrating AccuWeather's 60th Anniversary

  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate AccuWeather on its 60th anniversary.
  Since 1962, AccuWeather has provided trusted and accurate weather 
forecasts for individuals, businesses, and communities.
  AccuWeather is repeatedly recognized as the most accurate weather 
forecast. Their warnings have saved thousands of lives and have 
protected people from harm and property from damage. Most notably, 
Congress cited AccuWeather during Hurricane Katrina for saving 10,000 
people, thanks to their accurate forecasts.
  Today, more than 1.5 billion people rely on AccuWeather to stay safe 
and plan their day.
  AccuWeather currently has the largest collection of data at its 
Global Weather Center, which receives more information than any other 
facility on Earth.
  Most importantly, AccuWeather is a proud Pennsylvania 15th 
Congressional District business with more than 500 employees and is 
headquartered in Ferguson Township in Centre County.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating AccuWeather; their 
founder and CEO, Dr. Joel Myers; and their entire team on 60 years of 
service to our communities and excellence in forecasting the weather.

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