There is a serious need to build more agricultural programs in to our public education system. There is an amazing Agri farming educational program in Northern Maine that includes a 38 acre farm which is part of the curriculum for the high school students who learn to plan, plant, foster, harvest, store, and sell the farm’s bounty. The produce is also sold at the school Farmer’ Market and used in the school cafeteria program, donated to non-profits, food pantries, and other causes. The school maintains professional teachers who run the farm and entire program. They have a bakery, cider press, and farm equipment. The program link is here: Educational Farm | Maine School Administrative District #1
I completely agree with supporting agricultural programs in schools as they provide students with hands-on experience and insight into the vital role of agriculture. One improvement would be to expand partnerships with organizations like FFA to further enhance these programs. FFA could provide mentorship, leadership training, and scholarships to students, helping them pursue careers in agriculture. By strengthening ties with FFA and other agricultural organizations, schools can create more opportunities for students to develop the skills needed for future success in the industry.
Agreed. This particular school district has a very strong FFA program. Rounding the student to all aspects of self sustainability with a component that expands support to every aspect of the demographic in the community is magic. We truly need to get back to basics!
[This also sounds like creating a list of model/highest quality programs around the country to demonstrate working models to show others who may want to have an outline.
I SECOND the agriculture integration into schools. There is currently too much pharma/petro- integration/indoctrination and a meaningful change towards agriculture being a vital component of life would be profoundly beneficial.]
I was going to post something similar and found your post. FFA is an excellent organization to help young people understand the food chain and how we fit and benefit from our knowledge of it. Simply growing a tomato plant in a pot can help a child learn that they can provide many things for themselves with no more than some pots on an apartment patio. FFA covers the gamit though in teaching life long skills as well as re-acquainting young people with their food sources and how they make it to the table.