The purpose of selecting the students is to ensure that those who may use farm equipment in the future have a solid start and education. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the forum gives the students the chance to hear the opinions of government officials and industry leaders regarding the future of agriculture.
"We hope this experience will help these young women and men become leaders in the 21st century agriculture economy and address the important issues facing America's farmer and ranchers," Vilsack said.
Students who were interested in the program were required to write an essay about agriculture as a career and were selected based on it and a dean's recommendation. The students also had to be pursuing an agriculturally-related major.
This year's forum will focus on sustainability in agriculture and will be held in Arlington, Virginia, in February. U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk will also be in attendance.
In addition to providing the chance for these students to attend the conference, the USDA provides a number of educational materials on its website that can be used by pupils, teachers and parents. Included in those topics are nutrition and information on how American agriculture works.
