Media contact:
Misti Preston
Phone: (573) 751-8596
Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov

For Immediate Release: October 30, 2007

Agribusiness Academy Seeks to Broaden Career Choices for High School Students

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) is again offering high school sophomores a unique opportunity to experience careers available in the agriculture industry through the Missouri Agribusiness Academy./p>

“Education is vital for Missouri job creation and economic growth," said Governor Matt Blunt. "We prepare our next generation of entrepreneurs by giving them a world-class education. We will continue to advocate on behalf of Missouri agriculture and our family farmers with programs like the Agribusiness Academy which help future farmers learn more about agriculture and farm management so they can continue Missouri’s farming traditions."

“The Agribusiness Academy is a great opportunity for high school students to learn more about agriculture-related businesses in Missouri and offers an inside look at a wide variety of agricultural career choices,” said Katie Smith, director of MDA. “Students have a chance to meet with industry, governmental and educational leaders offering them a better understanding of the rewarding career paths that they can pursue in agriculture.”

The Missouri Agribusiness Academy, established in 1988, annually awards academy memberships to 30 Missouri high school sophomores interested in pursuing agriculture-related college degrees and careers. Students are selected through a competitive written application and oral interview process.

“Almost all of the department’s Academy graduates have pursued careers in agriculture,” said Smith. “This year, students will have the opportunity to tour Kansas City area agribusiness operations and be introduced to a variety of leaders and tour agribusinesses in the area as well as gain lifelong friendships and business connections in the industry.”

This year, Academy members will tour Kansas City area agribusiness operations in June 2008 and will also be guests at the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture.

To be eligible for the Academy, students must come from a farming family or be an active 4-H or FFA member. Applications are available from 4-H extension youth specialists, from FFA advisors, by visiting the department’s Web site at http://www.mda.mo.gov/Market/agribusacademy.htm or by contacting MDA’s Market Information and Outreach Program at (573) 751-5618. Applications must be postmarked by February 1, 2008.

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