Applications Go Live for First-Ever NY Youth Agriculture Leadership Conference

A shot of one of several Meyer's Corn Stands (left) and farmland (right) along Boston State Road in Hamburg, New York.Photo byPhoto by J.M. Lesinski

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that the application period for New York state’s debut collaborative youth agriculture leadership conference is now open, with goals of furthering interorganizational collaboration and identifying more opportunities for engagement to meet industry workforce future needs. 

“As a former 4-H kid, I know firsthand how important agricultural education is to developing a generation of leaders that understand where our food comes from, value the work of our farmers, and are committed to supporting our agricultural communities,” Hochul commented of the conference. “We’re convening the first ever youth agriculture leadership conference this year to give New York’s next generation of agricultural leaders the opportunity to grow their passion for the industry and learn more about this vital part of New York’s economy.”

To be convened in November 2024 through a partnership with the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences New York Agriculture Education & Outreach Program, the program will give students a trifecta of agricultural leadership, educational, and training-based opportunities to further develop their skills. 

“Since our founding, Cornell CALS has trained New York’s agricultural and environmental leaders,” remarked Dean of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Benjamin Houlton of the program. “This conference builds on New York state’s commitment to revitalize agricultural education in our urban, suburban and rural communities. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for supporting this generation of agriculture and food innovators and entrepreneurs. Our food security and economy are dependent on the youth of today and this conference will create exciting new pathways and career opportunities for New York state youth.”

Students currently in the 11th or 12th grade, who are also active members of an FFA chapter or county 4-H program, or a Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) junior or collegiate chapter, are invited to apply here.

“At MANRRS, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse community of future leaders in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences,” Junior MANRRS Coordinator Ian Smith noted of the program. “We are thrilled to partner with Governor Hochul and other esteemed youth development organizations to support the inaugural youth agriculture leadership conference. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire and empower young minds, providing them with the leadership skills, educational opportunities, and professional experiences necessary to drive innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector. Together, we are cultivating the NowGeneration to build a brighter future for New York's agricultural landscape.”

Participants will be selected through the application process. The program will be invitation-only. 

"4-Hers are passionate about agriculture and food systems and care deeply about our communities having access to high quality, healthy foods,” stated NYS 4-H Youth Development Program Leader Alexa Maille of the program. “This youth agriculture leadership conference is an exciting opportunity for youth in 4-H, MANRRS, and FFA to learn and grow together as the next generation of ag leaders. We appreciate Governor Hochul championing young people and creating this opportunity for youth leaders across the state to give voice to their vision for dynamic and resilient New York State agriculture and food systems for everyone."

The official application deadline is July 15. Any applications submitted post-deadline may be accepted on a rolling basis upon remaining spot availability. 

“We have a lot to be proud of when it comes to New York agriculture, and that includes our young people who amaze and inspire me every day,” State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said of the program. “I want to thank the Governor for her commitment to ensuring that this next generation is supported, that FFA, 4-H, and MANRRS have the resources they need to provide meaningful opportunities for our students to learn and grow, and, ultimately, that we are building a stronger ag workforce pipeline to connect students to the vast number of careers available in agriculture. This youth agriculture leadership conference is an exciting, first-ever opportunity to bring these organizations and state leaders together, with the potential of helping to shape initiatives that will impact the future of our shared industry.”