[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 146 (Thursday, September 19, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5452-H5453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE EDUCATION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the importance of agriculture education.
  National Teach Ag Day is for anyone who wants to celebrate school-
based agricultural education, share the story of agricultural 
education's importance and effectiveness in the United States, and 
encourage students to consider careers as agricultural educators.
  This recognition of agriculture education is more important than 
ever. The average American farmer is around 57 years old, a statistic 
that underscores the urgent need for agriculture education.
  Inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders is critical for 
our food security, and this encouragement begins in the classroom. As 
chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, I had the privilege of 
meeting with agriculture educators and students in Pennsylvania and 
throughout the country. Programs like Future Farmers of America and the 
4-H strongly advocate advancing agriculture education and exposing our 
youth to the agricultural industry.
  In July, I met with the Pennsylvania FFA State officers here in our 
Nation's Capital. We discussed many career opportunities in the 
agricultural field and the vital needs of a robust agricultural 
industry.
  We interact with agriculture at least three times a day, and students 
must have the opportunity to learn about the industry and its career 
opportunities.
  Madam Speaker, each one of us can play a role in advocating for 
agriculture education. Now more than ever, we must recognize that food 
security is national security, and a nation that cannot feed itself is 
a nation in turmoil.
  As I mentioned earlier, we are at a critical point in our 
agricultural history. With the average age of our farmers hovering 
around 57 years old, it is essential that we develop the next 
generation of farmers.
  To support the next generation of farmers, I included provisions in 
the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 that bolster new and 
beginning farmers by increasing access to credit and crop insurance; 
supporting research, extension, and education activities; and improving 
program delivery at USDA.
  As a senior member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 
the co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, 
co-chair of the 4-H Caucus, and a proud member of the FFA Caucus, I am 
passionate about advancing agricultural education in our schools.
  Teach Ag Day highlights the importance of agriculture education in 
our schools and communities. It is not just about learning how to farm. 
It is about understanding the science, technology, and business behind 
agriculture.
  I thank all of our agricultural educators across the country and the 
Commonwealth and in the 15th Congressional District. Their dedication 
and hard work are the foundation of our agricultural future, and the 
guidance that they provide prepares the next

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generation of farmers, producers, and ranchers.

                              {time}  1015

  I always enjoy my meetings with FFA and 4-H students, and our 
conversations give me great hope in the direction of our agriculture 
community.
  Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to, once again, thank all 
those involved in agricultural education and empowering our next 
generation of farmers.

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