S.C. YOUTH OBSERVING NATIONAL FFA WEEK
COLUMBIA, SC…Agricultural science and technology students in South Carolina schools are observing National FFA Week, February 17-24 2007, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA organization.
The observance of FFA Week in South Carolina was launched at Clemson University Monday morning, February 19, at a ceremony sponsored by the Clemson Collegiate FFA Organization. Featured speakers were National FFA Vice President Jennifer Himburg; Clemson University Provost Dr. Doris Helms; Dr. Tom Dobbins, Program Coordinator for Agricultural Education at Clemson; and Blake Berry, Student Advisor to the Collegiate FFA organization.
In proclaiming FFA Week in South Carolina, Governor Mark Sanford said, “The FFA organization provides its members unique opportunities to develop premier leadership skills, accept responsibility, experience positive citizenship and demonstrate patriotism while preparing for a career in the science, business or technology of agriculture”.
The focus of National FFA Week is to emphasize the importance of American agriculture and showcase career opportunities available to young people interested in that industry. American agriculture offers more than 300 career opportunities---- most of them off-the-farm.
At the present time, fewer than 2 million Americans are actively engaged in farming but they are technically skilled and scientifically efficient enough to produce more than 16 percent of the world’s food supply. One of five jobs in the nation are agriculture-related.
According to a recent joint study conducted by the USDA and Perdue University, 32 percent of the future job openings in agriculture will be for positions in science, engineering and related specialties. Jobs in marketing, merchandizing and sales will comprise another 28 percent of the agricultural employment postings.
Among the professions expected to be in greatest demand are food scientists, engineers, landscape horticulturalists, plant geneticists and outdoor recreation specialists.
“A highlight of the observance of National FFA Week in South Carolina will be the FFA-sponsored State Legislators Appreciation Day Ceremony on the steps of the State Capitol on Wednesday, February 21”, Parris said..
For additional information about the FFA organization contact Agricultural Science and Technology Instructors in secondary schools throughout the state.