Students who were chosen as Future Leaders in Agriculture attended the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 99th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum in Washington, D.C. at the end of last month. They represented land-grant, non-land-grant colleges of agriculture and Hispanic-serving institutions.
“These young people are the next generation of agriculture, and it is important for USDA to support their training,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Through the Future Leaders Program, USDA is expanding career opportunities in USDA-related fields and building an agriculture workforce that reflects the diversity of the American people.”
Now in its 16th year, the USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture Program introduces college students to the work of USDA and partner organizations. The program also provides learning opportunities in contemporary agribusiness, scientific research and agricultural policy to 21 undergraduates and nine graduate students who are majoring in agriculture-related subjects, including business, economics, communications, nutrition, food science and veterinary studies.
Applicants submit essays on agricultural careers and challenges. Those selected participated in a USDA briefing where they discussed career development with agriculture leaders in academia, government and industry. They toured the nation’s capital and attended the forum, where Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack presented their awards.
View the full USDA announcement and list of recipients HERE.
Pictured below, from left, UMES sophomore agriculture majors Sophia Goins (agribusiness), Isaiah McKenzie (general agriculture) and Cameron Geddie (general agriculture) were among 30 university students designated as Future Leaders in Agriculture.
