The industry of Agriculture is constantly changing, and as we continue to preserve more farmland and open space, education in and about agriculture becomes more important.

Preparing teachers to deliver curriculum in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Education that meets academic and technical standards, as well as those who will deliver curriculum about agriculture, is critical to preparing people for careers in the industry and creating an agricultural awareness and sensitivity about the industry. Informing decision makers, school administrators, students of all ages and parents that the over 300 careers in Agriculture require students to strive for high achievement in math, science and communication studies, provided through ‘hands on learning’ and in the science of agriculture, is essential in today’s world. Partnerships involving all groups interested in education in and about agriculture are critical to the success of students pursuing thousands of education and training opportunities within the high-skill/high tech world of agriculture, food and natural resources. To strengthen the industry, its viability and competitiveness, education and life-long learning, leadership development, training and re-training in and about agriculture must occur.

Currently, there are over 2,300 students enrolled in Agricultural Education programs at the secondary school and post-secondary, two-year college levels. These students are preparing for productive careers in New Jersey’s Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources industries. Most local programs are under-funded, and therefore, cannot provide a superior agricultural education program to their students. It has been recognized that the driving force behind any successful educational program, especially in Agricultural Education, is the teacher, but the teacher is limited when funds are limited or non-existent.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the delegates to the 90th State Agricultural Convention assembled in Atlantic City, New Jersey on January 24-26, 2005, commend the NJDA and the NJDOE for their efforts to provide citizens of New Jersey with a statewide program of quality AFNR Education and that the NJDA be encouraged to continue these interagency agreements with the NJDOE on a permanent basis to administer the AFNR Education and FFA programs in New Jersey.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, in an effort to prepare individuals for leadership and careers in agriculture, a seamless transition from high school to work and from high school to college is necessary.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support the education of the next generation of agriculturalists, by exposing young people to opportunities in agriculture through agriculture in the classroom; non-formal/youth development education like 4-H; and to leadership and careers through secondary AFNR Education, which includes structured learning experiences such as supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs and FFA.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we recognize that the best teachers are those who are actively engaged in the business of agriculture, food and natural resources and we support and encourage structured learning experiences through SAE, apprenticeship and internship programs, such as the Horticultural Apprenticeship Program offered by the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association. These opportunities offer the next generation of agriculturalists real-world business experience, the opportunity to continue their agricultural education at three of our county colleges, and a chance to work with some of the best nurserymen and landscape contractors in the nation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support continuing education of both current producers and other interested individuals in production practices, research and business management techniques. This includes extension outreach, professional development training through the New Jersey Agriculture Leadership Development Program, apprenticeship programs, and new farmer training for career transitions into agriculture.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, we support all efforts in education and training of the agricultural workforce, including an in-state AFNR education teacher-training program to produce certified AFNR teachers as necessary to meet the future demand of the industry and demand for AFNR teachers in our state. Full implementation of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education Teacher Training Program at Cook College, NJAES is necessary. Farm safety training, worker protection education, English as a second language, as well as production technique training, are necessary and must be delivered through all types of programs such as distance learning, the Internet and traditional methods

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that local, state and national industry employment needs must be communicated to the school boards, school administrators and local AFNR Education Advisory Committees, not only to show the need to continue current programs, but to communicate the need to open new AFNR Education programs that will serve the food, fiber and natural resources industry including but not limited to Food Systems Education, Biotechnology, Urban Agriculture, Urban Forestry and Veterinary Assistant programs.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support education of all people of New Jersey on the quality of locally, produced products and the role agriculture plays in the state’s economy and how a working agriculture landscape contributes to the quality of life for the citizens of the state. We also encourage farmers to educate their neighbors about agriculture production and practices and support programs 'in and about agriculture' in their local school districts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon the Governor and the Legislature dedicate permanent and adequate funding to all programs of study in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources through NJDA’s Office of Agricultural Education, at both the high school and post-secondary levels.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon the Governor and the Legislature to utilize the resources of the New Jersey Agricultural Education Association for information on critical needs for these programs.