(WNY News Now) – New York -New York State witnesses remarkable expansion in agricultural education and FFA programs, with a 75% increase in agricultural teachers since 2016, and 36 new FFA chapters formed since 2022, according to the State of the State and FY 2025 Budget announcements during National FFA Week.

New York State has experienced a substantial uptick in agricultural education, marked by a commendable surge in the number of agricultural teachers and FFA programs. The count of agricultural teachers has seen a remarkable 75% growth since 2016, reaching 412 in 2023. Furthermore, the establishment of 36 new FFA chapters since 2022, and a total of 200 chapters today, underscores the state’s commitment to fostering agricultural education.

In a significant move, the 2024 State of the State and FY 2025 Budget underscored the prioritization of agricultural education. The allocation of $1.25 million to support the FFA, an increase of $250,000 from the previous year, and the creation of a youth agriculture leadership conference showcase the state’s dedication to nurturing future leaders in the agricultural sector.

The surge in agricultural teachers can be attributed to programs such as Cornell University’s Agriculture Education and Outreach Program, New York Agriculture in the Classroom, and the New York State FFA Association. This growth not only enhances formal agricultural curricula in schools but also bolsters the pipeline of students entering the agricultural industry.

New York’s FFA chapters and membership have also witnessed a commendable rise, with nearly 12,000 FFA members in the state, an increase from 9,300 in 2022. The state is on the verge of achieving the 2016 goal set by the State Agriculture Commissioner to increase the number of FFA charters by 100.

The New York FFA Association, a youth organization nurturing leadership in various career fields, received significant support in the FY 2024 Budget, with a $2 million investment. The FY 2025 Budget continues this commitment, proposing increased support for the FFA, the New York Agriculture in the Classroom program, and initiatives like Urban Agricultural Education and the MANRRS program.

National FFA Week, celebrated from February 17 to 24, acknowledges the positive impact of FFA and agricultural education programs on students across New York and the nation. As the state remains dedicated to investing in agricultural education, it aims to secure the future of the industry and prepare the next generation for the challenges of feeding a growing population. Learn more about NY FFA at www.nysffa.org.