Future Farmers of America Students (FFA) from St. Lawrence County, Jefferson, and Lewis county visited Assemblyman Blankenbush  (R,C-Black River) Albany office to advocate expanding learning opportunities. In participation for FFA day, several board members of the NYFVI and FFA students displayed their blue uniforms throughout the halls of the Legislative Office Building highlighting accompaniments and plans for their communities. The organization strives to create and share knowledge that will improve the economic viability of New York’s farmers through educational outreach.

“Farms are our state's lifeline. It’s important for us to nurture the next generation of farmers and implore supporting locals. It’s clear we need to incorporate agricultural education into the classrooms of our public schools and encourage more interest. There are many investments to be made for the future of this state and this is one of them, said Blankenbush.”

As a member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Blankenbush passionately supports requiring agricultural education in New York Public Schools and establishing a Commission for Agricultural Education. Last year, Blankenbush co-sponsored a proposal (A.8590) which allows students attending agricultural learning events to be counted as in attendance at school. The proposal is currently in the Assembly Education committee.

“The New York Agriculture industry is currently experiencing a labor crisis and decreasing interest in the food system. We have organizations dedicated to investing in youth agricultural literacy and engagement. We should support them in every capacity to employ more interest in the New York State food system,” Blankenbush concluded.