Recognizing Importance of Agriculture Education

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of agriculture education.

Last week, we celebrated National Teach Ag Day. This recognition of agriculture education is more important than ever.

The average age of the American farmer is around 57 years old. It is critical for our food security to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders, and this starts in the classroom.

I have had the privilege of spending time with agriculture educators in Pennsylvania and throughout our country. Programs like the Future Farmers of America and 4-H are strong advocates for advancing agriculture education and exposing our youth to the agriculture industry.

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to witness these agriculture programs firsthand. I visited fourth graders at Glendale Elementary School in Cambria County who were working closely with seniors from the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology to bring textbooks to life. The lesson I participated in focused on science, soil, and agricultural operations. I had the opportunity to work directly with the students, where we discussed a plant's journey from seed to full growth. We examined soil, and students made observations of plant growth.

We interact with agriculture at least three times a day, and it is critical that students have the opportunity to really learn about the industry and the career opportunities that it offers.

In July, I joined CenClear and the YMCA of Centre County at the ribbon cutting of the antihunger program at Morgan Run Farm. This initiative will serve as a hands-on, community-centered educational tool to further families' understanding of agriculture processes, farming, nutrition, and community development.

Right now, more than ever, we understand food security is national security, and a country that cannot feed itself often finds itself in turmoil. Programs like the antihunger program at Morgan Run and the science lesson at Glendale Elementary are the first steps in educating our youth about our food sources.

As I mentioned earlier, we are at a critical point in our agricultural future, with the average age of our farmers hovering around 57 years old. It is important that we develop the next generation of farmers. That is why, in August, I held a listening session focused on the next generation of farmers.

We discussed how we can engage and support our next generation of farmers and encourage youth to get involved in the agriculture industry. We had remarkable panelists who were incredibly accomplished in their fields. Together, we highlighted their work to promote innovative technologies that inspire and engage the next generation of agriculturists.

As a senior member of the Education and Labor Committee, co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, co-chair of the 4-H Caucus, and proud member of the FFA Caucus, I am passionate about advancing agricultural education in schools.

I take this moment to thank all of our agricultural educators across the country, the Commonwealth, and in the 15th Congressional District. Their work invests in our agriculture education and helps prepare the next generation of farmers, producers, and ranchers.

I always enjoy my meetings with FFA and 4-H students, as they are clearly our future, and our conversations give me great hope in the direction of our agricultural community.

Mr. Speaker, I, once again, thank all those involved in agricultural education and empowering our next generation of farmers. Celebrating AccuWeather's 60th Anniversary

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate AccuWeather on its 60th anniversary.

Since 1962, AccuWeather has provided trusted and accurate weather forecasts for individuals, businesses, and communities.

AccuWeather is repeatedly recognized as the most accurate weather forecast. Their warnings have saved thousands of lives and have protected people from harm and property from damage. Most notably, Congress cited AccuWeather during Hurricane Katrina for saving 10,000 people, thanks to their accurate forecasts.

Today, more than 1.5 billion people rely on AccuWeather to stay safe and plan their day.

AccuWeather currently has the largest collection of data at its Global Weather Center, which receives more information than any other facility on Earth.

Most importantly, AccuWeather is a proud Pennsylvania 15th Congressional District business with more than 500 employees and is headquartered in Ferguson Township in Centre County.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating AccuWeather; their founder and CEO, Dr. Joel Myers; and their entire team on 60 years of service to our communities and excellence in forecasting the weather.

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