Kicking off National Agriculture Week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack hosted a coffee break today at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he spoke to young people and challenged them to be catalysts in moving rural America and the agricultural industry into the future.
“Twenty-first century farming is involved in a multitude of things that are significant to our country’s future,” said Vilsack. “The challenge is to reverse some of the economic and population trends in rural communities, increase production through science and create relationships and alliances around the world to provide for countries that don’t have enough food to eat. This is your challenge.”
About 100 youth from state branches of the Future Farmers of America participated in the event — one of several being held this week leading up to National Agriculture Day on March 20. The day was created to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by American agriculture.
“We are the future of agriculture,” said Crystal Jones, state officer with the Minnesota FFA. “It’s up to us to make a difference, revamp and make more modern so we can continue the successes that the industry has already had.”
Lucas Schmaltz, regional vice president, Northeastern Region of the North Dakota FFA agrees that young farmers have to accept the challenge. “It’s our duty as leaders to step up and know what our nation needs,” said Schmaltz. “We also need to stay up to date and connect with our senators so that we know what is happening in order to ensure the future of agriculture for those who come after us.”
