MDAR is proud to announce the creation of the Massachusetts Agriculture Youth Council (“Council”). This Council is created to cultivate and foster the next generation of leaders in the agriculture industry. The Council will be comprised of high school students in their senior year and will meet monthly to discuss agricultural issues, hear from guest speakers from the agriculture industry, learn about the legislative procedures and workforce development opportunities, attend special events and tours, and enhance professional skills.
Participating in the Council will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the varied agricultural sectors in Massachusetts, emerging trends and innovation in farming, and deepen understanding of other states’ agricultural issues through connections with youth councils across the United States. The Council will also have the opportunity to share ideas, which may be used to help in the further development of MDAR programs and support of agriculture in Massachusetts.
This opportunity is open to rising high school seniors enrolled in any public or private high school in Massachusetts. Members will serve a 1 year term from June to May of their senior year. MDAR will select 14 students to serve on the Council, with 1 student selected from each Massachusetts county. MDAR intends to hold monthly meetings, with both in-person and virtual opportunities, on the first Thursday of the month at 5pm, please note this day might change based on council member’s availability. In-person opportunities, including attendance at events and farm/industry tours, will be available on an optional basis. Transportation to and from events will not be provided by MDAR, but MDAR will make every effort to keep costs as minimal as possible. MDAR will also make every effort to have virtual options for all events whenever possible.
Council members under the age of 18 will require parent or guardian permission to participate on the Council and any events hosted by MDAR in connection with the Council.
We encourage all Massachusetts High School juniors to learn more and apply to the Council. Feel free to share flyer.
Please send completed application and attachments via email to Katelyn.Rozenas@mass.gov. Applications are due March 17, 2024.