LOCAL FFA STUDENTS TO JOIN SENATOR RITCHIE AND COLLEAGUES AT SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE MEETING

Students representing Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters from the Carthage Central School District and Belleville Henderson Central School District will join State Senator Patty Ritchie Tuesday at the second Senate Agriculture Committee meeting of the year, taking place at her office in Albany at 9:00 a.m.

“The future of farming depends on young people who are interested in pursuing careers in agriculture,” said Senator Patty Ritchie, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee.

“These students have already learned so much not only about the industry, but also about leadership, teamwork and community service.  I’m excited to welcome them to tomorrow’s meeting, and also to hear more about how they’re already, at a very young age, contributing to the success of New York agriculture.”

In addition to local FFA students, also in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting will be New York State FFA President, Sara Millspaugh.

In addition to FFA students, David Haight, New York State Director for the American Farmland Trust, will join attendees to discuss efforts to protect farmland and promote agricultural economic development.  In his role with the American Farmland Trust, Mr. Haight aids state and federal legislators as they work on agricultural and land conversation legislation. In this role, he has helped coordinate projects that have permanently protected more than 4,000 acres of New York farmland.

To watch the committee meeting live, visit www.nysenate.gov.  Full video will also be available following the meeting on Senator Ritchie’s website, www.ritchie.nysenate.gov.