WHEREAS, agriculture and forestry, the Commonwealth’s largest and third largest private industries respectively, have a current total economic impact of nearly $106 billion in industry output, and generate more than 490,000 jobs; and

WHEREAS, every job created in the agriculture and forest industries results in another 1.6 jobs in the Virginia economy; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is home to approximately 39,000 farms, 95 percent of which are family owned, on more than 7.3 million acres of farmland; and

WHEREAS, the success of the Commonwealth’s agriculture industry is a direct result of agricultural educators and is showcased in award-winning innovative technologies and increasing profitability of Virginia Grown trade products; and

WHEREAS, agriculture educators are a critical part of Virginia’s educational investment into the future of agriculture, forestry, and related industries; and

WHEREAS, Virginia boasts over 300 agricultural educators who teach over 42,000 students in a variety of agricultural disciplines; and

WHEREAS, the Three-Circle Model of Agricultural Education—comprised of classroom and laboratory instruction, supervised agricultural experiences, and participation in the National FFA Organization—provides high-quality work-based learning opportunities along with a comprehensive, hands-on approach that develops students’ academic, technical, and leadership skills; and

WHEREAS, this proven model prepares the next generation of leaders, problem solvers, and innovators in agriculture, forestry, and related industries, while also instilling lifelong values such as responsibility, work ethic, and civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is home to three postsecondary institutions with dedicated agriculture education degree programs, employing agricultural educators while teaching the next generation of agricultural educators; and

WHEREAS, the National Association of Agricultural Educators and the Virginia Association of Agricultural Educators seek to raise awareness and recruit high-quality agriculture teachers across the nation and the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Teach Ag Day celebrates and elevates the vital role of agricultural educators who inspire students to pursue careers in agriculture, education, and public service, and who serve as mentors, advocates, and catalysts for their students and their communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 18, 2025, as VIRGINIA TEACH AG DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.