As our world evolves and technological advances propel us forward at lightning speed, one constant remains – agriculture. No matter how smart our cell phones become or how large our television screens grow, agriculture persists as the economic, social and environmental binding force.

According to the New York State Agriculture and Markets website, about 23 percent of New York State's land area, or 7 million acres, is farmland. There are nearly 36,000 family farms producing some of the world’s best food. Agriculture is a major driver of the New York State economy and the state ranks high among the major agricultural states in the nation, ranking in the top 10 in 30 commodities. New York is the second largest producer of apples and maple syrup, second in cabbage and snap beans, third in grapes, grape juice and wine, and fourth in pears and dairy, which is the largest segment of the agricultural sector.

Farming is also the tie that binds many communities together socially. Farmers markets, harvest fests and other fine events are celebrated year round. These types of gatherings are reminders of our heritage and a welcome chance to come together and stay in touch with friends and family.

With our growing environmental concerns, we also look to the farming community for guidance. Farmers have always been among the best stewards of the land; after all, it is a central part of their livelihood. More and more the news media draw attention to the development of “green” industries. Nothing is greener than agriculture. In fact, many technological breakthroughs take place on farms both small and large.

Agriculture contributes so much to our daily lives, but it is an industry that has been hit by hard times. It is also a demanding occupation and those who take up the farming mantle must be very special. Preparing the next generation of farmers is also a critical role. All of those individuals are being duly recognized from February 18 - 25 - National Future Farmers of America Week.

The FFA was founded in 1928 by thirty-three young farm boys at a hotel in Kansas City, and is currently made up of more than 600-thousand student members in grades seven through twelve. There are over 7,500 chapters headquartered in every state in the nation, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. More than 11,000 advisors and agriculture teachers work with students on subjects like agriscience, biotechnology, and horticulture. FFA students divide their time between classroom learning and hands-on experience in the field. After high school, many of these students go on to productive careers in various agriculture fields. Others parlay their FFA knowledge into further studies at colleges and universities and graduate with advanced degrees.

It is clear that the FFA has played a significant role in making certain that agricultural education is a mainstay of our communities. I am also confident that the FFA will continue to connect students to exciting careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

The FFA promotes, among other things, citizenship, volunteerism, patriotism and cooperation. The motto, “learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve” gives direction of purpose to the students who take an active role in succeeding in agricultural education.

I am proud to represent a number of fine Future Farmers of America chapters. I often see the students in their traditional blue corduroy jackets at our local county fairs, and welcome the opportunity to meet with groups from across my district when they visit the Capitol in Albany. Their dedication to the mission of premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education is admirable.

I salute all of the youth, teachers and advisors and wish them the best during National FFA Week.