Six New Jersey 4-H members attended the National 4-H Agri-Science Youth Summit held virtually from March 5-7. The purpose of the summit is to provide teens with an opportunity to learn about and develop an understanding of the critical role that agricultural science innovation, ranging from environmental science to current technologies used in agriculture, plays in addressing the world’s most pressing issues.
The New Jersey 4-H’ers joined nearly 400 youth and adults, from 30 states and Canada. New Jersey delegates attending the conference included: Hannah Golden of Somerset, Emily Hyson from Port Norris, Annabelle Majorossy of Flemington, Kristin Osika from Mendham, Annabella Sefa of North Brunswick and Olive Scaff from Cream Ridge.
During the virtual National 4‑H Youth Summit on Agri-Science, high school youth developed skills and knowledge in animal and plant sciences and new technologies related to the production of food, feed, fuel, and fiber. Workshops, guest speakers, and engaging activities provided experiences for teens to learn about agri-science topics including food science, environmental science, ag literacy and advocacy, ag production, and ag technology and discover career opportunities in these areas. Summit attendees met and worked with youth online from across the country.
“The National Agri-Science Summit provides the New Jersey 4-H members with an excellent opportunity to learn about the challenges facing agriculture, including global food security and sustainability, and how they can play a role in addressing these challenges today and in their future” says Jeannette Rea Keywood, State 4-H Agent, Department of 4-H Youth Development.
The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station – Cooperative Extension. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13(one year out of high school), on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status and any other category protected by law.
For more information about the New Jersey 4-H Program visit the website.