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Jersey Ag Education Web Site Also Offers Help to Prospective Ag Teachers
For Immediate Release: May 29, 2008
Contact: Lynne Richmond
(609) 633-2954

(TRENTON) – The New Jersey Department of Agriculture today announced the launching of www.jerseyageducation.nj.gov, a new web site geared toward students interested in careers in agriculture and those either already teaching or who would like to teach agricultural education.

“We know that there will be a great demand for new graduates in the food, agricultural and natural resources fields in the next few years,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Charles M. Kuperus.  “Now is a good time for young people to consider these fields and our new Jersey Ag Education web site is a great resource for those who have an interest in these important industries as a profession.”

New Jersey Agricultural Education serves 60 certified agriculture teachers and more than 2,500 students in 44 school districts. The mission of New Jersey Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education is to prepare people for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

The website features a section on the New Jersey FFA Association, a national youth organization that uses agricultural science education to develop students’ potential and help them discover their talent.  There are 37 FFA chapters with 1,950 students in the Garden State.  In this part of the website,  visitors can view an activity guide, information about career development events, the State FFA Convention, and how to become a state FFA officer.  There also is a page listing related college scholarships and nearby universities offering agricultural programs of study.

The site provides resources for students, such as deciding on a career path, selecting a supervised agricultural experience, and finding college financial aid information.

There also are resources for teachers, such as developing the curriculum, becoming an FFA advisor, and taking advantage of professional development opportunities.

“Agriculture is a significant part of New Jersey’s working landscape with 9,800 farms on about 800,000 acres, but highly skilled workers are needed to sustain the agriculture industry,” said Secretary Kuperus.  “Those visiting the Jersey Ag Education web site will find all the information they need to pursue a career and be a leader in this field or inspire students to enter the industry through teaching any number of occupations, including ag education.”