I am writing in SUPPORT of HB1909. For the past 16 years, I have taught Agricultural Education in Appomattox County. Our high school agricultural education department has 200 students enrolled this school year. Creating an Agricultural Education Excellence Commission will allow data to demonstrate our students' impact on the community and state. This will also help to streamline their transition into the workforce in our community and the Commonwealth.

Good afternoon, my name is Christy Kerr and I’m an agricultural educator in Augusta County. I’ve been involved in the agriculture education realm for close to 20 years, serving as a State FFA Officer visiting schools across the Commonwealth, to working with teachers for five years as an Administrative Assistant with Virginia FFA, to being an agricultural educator and FFA Advisor myself since 2011, as well as serving as a former President of the professional association Virginia Association of Agricultural Educators. In my county, we have many individuals serving on the Board of Supervisors, School Board, high-ranking officials in the Sheriff’s Office, agriculture and business industry leaders, and more- all alumni of agricultural education programs that were prepared to serve their community in their ag classes. Agriculture Education programs prepare students for real-life careers in agriculture through leadership training, public speaking, inquiry-based learning, and much more. This Commission would serve as a pipeline to ensure our hands-on learning experiences in the school system will continue to thrive and expand our influence to ensure more students benefit from the opportunities they receive in our programs. As a Dual Enrollment Instructor as well, offering college credit to my students to jumpstart their community college or university education, this Commission would also provide a way to make a smooth transition for these students pursuing careers in agriculture and forestry, which are Virginia’s number one industry producing $105 billion annually and 490,000 jobs throughout the state. In short, as a person involved with agriculture education for the greater part of their life, this Commission will provide even more opportunities for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success for the future job force that will contribute to Virginia’s local and state economies. Thank you!

Subject: Support for the Agricultural Education Excellence Commission, HB 1909 I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to let you know that I very much support the Agricultural Education Excellence Commission and its mission to develop a statewide plan for agricultural education in Virginia. As you know, agriculture is a cornerstone of our state's economy, and we must continue to nurture and expand agricultural education opportunities for our students. The work of this commission will be essential in ensuring that the next generation of agricultural leaders is well-prepared to contribute to the workforce and economy. The Agricultural Education Excellence Commission will be crucial in coordinating efforts with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to implement and improve agricultural education programming across the Commonwealth. The commission will advocate for these programs and gather data to demonstrate their impact at local and state levels by providing a collective voice for agriculture education and the FFA. A key priority of the commission will be collecting data that shows how agricultural education influences workforce development and the broader economy of Virginia. This data will be invaluable in shaping policies and securing resources to support our programs and ensure their continued growth. Additionally, the commission will work with industry partners, higher education institutions, and other stakeholders to facilitate a smooth transition for students into their chosen career pathways. This collaboration will ensure that students are well-prepared for success in the workforce, whether they decide to enter agriculture directly or pursue related fields. Another important function of the commission will be prioritizing students' needs and allocating resources effectively to improve agricultural education programs. By addressing resource gaps, we can provide more opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning and prepare them for the diverse and evolving needs of the agricultural industry. Finally, the commission will assess the current state of agricultural education in Virginia, including teachers' workload, pathways to licensure, and strategies for addressing the growing need for qualified educators. This will help ensure that our programs are practical and sustainable in the long term. I firmly believe that the Agricultural Education Excellence Commission will be a critical step forward for agricultural education in Virginia. I would appreciate it if you could support its creation and the continued growth of agricultural education programs across the state. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and your ongoing commitment to supporting the students and industries that make Virginia such a strong and vibrant state. Sincerely, Brian Fisher 386 McDonald Lane Strasburg VA 22641

As a dedicated agriculture teacher with 21 years of experience and service in various state leadership roles, I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 1909, which establishes the Virginia Commission for Agricultural Education Excellence. Agricultural education is essential to preparing students for success in an evolving industry that significantly impacts Virginia’s economy and communities. This bill offers a pivotal opportunity to strengthen and unify agricultural education across the Commonwealth. By creating a 30-member commission to develop and implement a statewide plan, the legislation provides a comprehensive framework to address challenges such as curriculum alignment, workforce development, and resource allocation. Over the years, I have seen how agricultural education empowers students, equipping them with technical skills and leadership abilities that prepare them for thriving careers and engaged citizenship. Programs like FFA have a transformative impact, but sustaining and enhancing these opportunities requires deliberate planning and collaboration. The proposed commission, supported jointly by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Education, is uniquely positioned to ensure these programs are aligned with industry needs and future workforce demands. This commission also provides a platform to engage diverse stakeholders, including educators, industry leaders, and policymakers, fostering innovative solutions and partnerships. Its proposed expiration date of July 1, 2028, ensures a focused, results-driven timeline with opportunities for evaluation and improvement. I urge you to support House Bill 1909 to secure a strong future for agricultural education in Virginia. Thank you for your dedication to supporting our students, educators, and agricultural industry.

As an agricultural education teacher, I believe that this committee would greatly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our work, ideally with adequate funding. Collaborating with VDACS and VDOE will facilitate a more consistent approach to the implementation of agricultural education statewide. Additionally, it will enable us to demonstrate the significant impact we make in areas such as workforce development and economic contributions across the state. This commission would also strengthen our connections with stakeholders, employers, and higher education institutions. Furthermore, it will assess our students' needs, allowing us to refine our curriculum and Career Development Events. As we are the foundation of the National FFA, this commission could also assist in gathering data on teacher workloads and licensing pathways, positioning us as a leader in National FFA programming.

This bill would strengthen the long-term impact that Agricultural.Education teachers, throughout Virginia, have on Virginia's largest industry. This bill would positively impact students as it builds a support for student leadership opportunities, increased involvement in the Agriculture Industry and support their long-term Work Based Learning opportunities. As.a former agricuture education student, I know how much the industry has changed and what challenges agriculture educators are facing in this changing landscape. Support for this bill would provide support for those teachers and they continue to grow the agriculture leaders of tomorrow. I thank you for your service to the Commonwealth and to the students of Virginia

As an agriculture educator, I would strongly support HB 1909, especially if it focuses on the enhancement of agricultural education programs. Here are several reasons why this bill could be beneficial from an educator's perspective: Expanding Educational Opportunities: HB 1909 may provide increased funding or resources for agricultural education, allowing schools to offer more hands-on learning experiences. Agriculture programs often require specialized equipment, field trips, and real-world learning experiences that are essential for students to gain the skills necessary for the industry. Workforce Development: Agriculture is a crucial industry, and supporting HB 1909 could lead to a more skilled, knowledgeable workforce. By investing in agricultural education, we ensure that students are prepared for careers in agriculture, whether in production, technology, research, or sustainability practices. Closing the Skills Gap: There is a growing demand for workers in agricultural fields, and HB 1909 could help close the skills gap by providing students with relevant, real-world experiences. In turn, students can directly transition into high-demand careers, benefiting local economies and the agricultural sector as a whole. Encouraging Innovation in Agriculture: With proper funding and support, agricultural education programs can foster innovation by introducing students to emerging agricultural technologies, sustainable practices, and new methods of food production. This could help students become future leaders in shaping the agricultural industry. Increasing Access to Agriculture Education: HB 1909 could provide resources to schools that lack agricultural education programs, especially in underserved areas. By ensuring all students have access to high-quality agricultural education, we can ensure the sustainability of the industry and provide opportunities to a diverse range of students. Promoting Agricultural Literacy: In a time when fewer students have direct exposure to agriculture, HB 1909 could increase awareness of agricultural practices and issues such as food security, climate change, and sustainability. An informed population is crucial for making decisions that will impact agriculture in the future. Agriculture teachers often face challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified staff due to the unique demands of the profession. Extending contracts can make the position more attractive to potential candidates by offering job security and opportunities for professional growth, ultimately helping to address teacher shortages in the field As an agriculture educator, I see firsthand the impact that strong programs and resources can have on students, their career readiness, and their ability to contribute to the future of agriculture. I would strongly advocate for any legislative efforts that enhance agricultural education, like HB 1909.