The Lowdown on Ag Education in Maryland

The Lowdown on Ag Education in Maryland
Written by Tyler Hough
Originally published in the 2024 Fall/Winter Edition of The Old Line Farmer

Agricultural education was recently identified as a top 3 policy priority for our Maryland Farm Bureau members, voted upon by the delegates at our annual convention. Let’s take a look at the progress of ag education in Maryland, what MDFB supports, and how our grassroots members are taking the initiative to promote agriculture to the next generation.

The Status of Ag Education in Maryland

This summer, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) hosted their very first Agricultural Education Summit in Anne Arundel County. Maryland Farm Bureau was proud to sponsor this important program. Many teachers and stakeholders spoke about their experiences and it became clear that there is a renewed push for getting students involved in farming.

“The future of agriculture lies with our youth and the best way to reach them about the importance of all things agriculture is through education,” said MDA Secretary Kevin Atticks.

MDFB Director of Government Relations Tyler Hough and a panel of teachers speak at MDA’s first-ever Ag Education Summit at Southern High School

Towards the end of the conference, the Secretary also mentioned that an establishment of an office for agricultural education within the state government could be considered to put an emphasis on agriculture in public school curricula.

The Maryland Farm Bureau also presented at the summit on how properly supported education programs benefit not only students, but farmers and farm businesses. The future of agriculture relies on talented future leaders and workforce development. You don’t have to look much further than the successes of Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4H, and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) alumni in the workforce.

Maryland Farm Bureau Policy on Agricultural Education

It’s clear that the future of farming in Maryland depends on prioritizing and investing in agricultural-related Career Technical Education opportunities. However, inconsistencies from county to county and a lack of a statewide agricultural education curriculum has left many interested students with little to no education on agriculture.

Maryland Farm Bureau supports the inclusion and expansion of agricultural education programs at all school levels and urges the implementation of certified/accredited agricultural curriculums in public high schools.

During the 2024 Legislative Session, the Maryland Farm Bureau proudly supported SB1035: the Focusing Federal Career and Technical Education Act Funds on Blueprint School-to-Work Apprenticeship Goals Act. This bill aimed to establish a start date for administering the federal Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which includes agricultural education and FFA. While the bill successfully passed in the Maryland Senate, it unfortunately did not advance in the House of Delegates. We remain committed to expanding agricultural education in our state and will continue urging our state representatives to prioritize this important issue.

Grassroots Leading the Charge

Thanks to the dedication of our incredible grassroots members, many Maryland farmers are addressing the issue of agricultural education and literacy head-on. 

“Our members are the most powerful and influential voice to engage in ag education at the local level in our counties,” says Barb Glenn, Chair of MDFB’s Agriculture Education and Extension Committee. “All education decisions rest with local school systems.”

2024 MDFB Ag Ambassadors Sarah Beale and Hunter Johnson speak with elementary school students during Ag Literacy Week

During Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation’s (MAEF) Ag Literacy Week, several members, including our 2024 Maryland Farm Bureau Ag Ambassadors, Sarah Beale and Hunter Johnson, visited local elementary schools to read farming-related children’s books to eager young students.

“The students demonstrated a very enthusiastic interest in agriculture immediately upon reading the book,” said Sarah Beale. “I could see their curiosity in agriculture spike just as it did for me when I was their age.”

The future of ag education in Maryland holds immense potential, but it requires continued effort and collaboration from all stakeholders. The commitment shown by educators, policymakers, and especially our grassroots members, highlights the importance of fostering an understanding and appreciation of agriculture among the next generation. As we look forward, Maryland Farm Bureau will remain steadfast in its advocacy for agricultural education, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore and contribute to the vibrant world of farming.

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