AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION UPDATE

NEW INITIATIVES

The Agricultural Education Program has identified five focus areas in its bold vision for its future in North Carolina.

Preparing leaders for the state, nation and world
Through leadership and service initiatives, partnerships with industry, and unique classroom experiences, we will produce the leaders today that are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
Improving health and well-being of students and citizens
Through a partnership being developed with Dole Foods, Inc., and other initiatives, an effort will be made to better inform students about healthy lifestyle choices and disciplines in the science fields that can promote their quality of life.
Creating educational innovations
Agricultural Education is committed to producing adaptable, globally aware, creative thinkers and workers. Partnerships with NC State University and NC A&T State University and our state's Community Colleges are being developed that will lead to additional college credit for students in high school. One such partnership starting this year is the Bertie County Agriscience Academy, a "Learn and Earn" program with a focus in Agricultural Education that will graduate students with two years of college credit from NC State University and/or Shaw University.
Fueling economic development
From the creation of new ideas to an old successful concept, work-based learning, effort is being made to fuel the future economic development of the agriculture industry. Entrepreneurial, placement and research opportunities are available for today's students in new and emerging areas of the industry.
Driving innovation in energy and the environment
Agriculture has become the food, fiber and FUEL industry in the United States. Agricultural Education will become involved in the growth of this new segment of the industry by incorporating new ideas and technology into existing curriculum. Opportunities and funding abound for research in new fuel crops and technology to meet our future energy needs.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

The following curriculum is under development during 2008-2009:

Landscaping
Horticulture I

Plans are to begin development of one additional course this year.

Efforts are being made to secure funds from business/industry and government sources to bring the new CASE (Curriculum for Agriscience Education developed in partnership with Project Lead the Way) to North Carolina.

2007-08 FFA NUMBERS

ITEM	NUMBER
NC FFA membership	16,866
Highest Number of Participants in history in state level career development events	2514
Highest Number of State FFA Degree recipients	350
Highest Number of Candidates for the American FFA Degree	45
Highest Attendance at State FFA Convention	2400

Record number of students receiving North Carolina and National FFA Scholarships
Built and Opened New Dining and Recreation Buildings at the NC FFA Center

AVAILABLE 2008-09 FFA DATES

EVENT	DATE
National FFA Convention – Indianapolis, Indiana	October 22-25, 2008
Dairy Evaluation/Dairy Handlers Career Development Events	November 17-18, 2008
Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event	November 25, 2008
Tractor and Truck Safety and Skills Career Development Events	February 5, 2009
Farm Business Management, Agricultural Sales, Marketing Plan Career Development Events	March 10, 2009
Middle Grades FFA Career Development Events	March 12, 2009
State FFA Convention	June 23-25, 2009