AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
The Agricultural Education Mission
Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems. AFNR Education instruction is delivered through three major components:
Classroom/Lab Instruction
Since 1917 with the passage of the Smith-Hughes Act, federal and state legislation has provided leadership for the implementation and improvement of AFNR education programs. The foundation of any successful Agricultural Education program is based on three inseparable and interdependent components that include: rigorous Classroom Instruction, FFA leadership and social-emotional skill development programs, and work-based learning Supervised Agricultural Experience projects that provide relevant, technical skills in a real workplace setting.
Supervised Agricultural Experience
Students with a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) learn by doing. With help from their AFNR teachers, students develop an SAE project based on their desire to develop technical skills through work-based learning experiences.
FFA
FFA is a dynamic youth organization within AFNR education that changes lives and prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.
History of Minnesota Agricultural Education
Communities in Minnesota have offered public instruction in Agricultural Education for more than 100 years. In 1928 the National FFA Organization was formed, and Minnesota was granted charter #42 from the National Organization in 1929. Minnesota Agricultural Education now serves more 25,000 students in grades 9-12, and 35,000 total in grades 6-12.
Starting an AFNR Program and FFA Chapter
FFA Chapters may be established in high schools or middle schools where approved agricultural education programs exist. Schools will work with the Minnesota Department of Education to identify requirements for teachers, coursework and course continuums that may exist for a high-quality Career and Technical Education program. Once a school has received Program Approval for their agricultural education program, they are eligible to apply for an FFA chapter charter. Chapters must meet certain requirements to be chartered and to remain in good standing and eligible for continued participation.
Applying for and Receiving a Chapter Charter
The agriculture teacher(s) must receive Program Approval from the Minnesota Department of Education and then submit the following to the state office: application for charter, a list of chapter officers, a complete list of chapter members, a copy of the chapter Program of Activities, and a copy of the chapter constitution. The application for charter and sample documents are available electronically from state staff or below.
A complete chapter charter application will include:
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A list of chapter officers (final list due by April 1)
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A complete list of chapter members (final list due by April 1)
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A copy of the chapter's constitution and bylaws
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A copy of the preliminary Program of Activities (calendar of events and strategic plan - AET may be used)
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The chapter charter Application and Agreement
Once all documents are received and approved, state staff will work with the chapter advisor to establish necessary accounts and log-in information to give the chapter access to creating a roster, ordering FFA paraphernalia, and participating in FFA programs. Charter applications are due by March 1 to be board-approved to charter at the State Convention of that year. Additional policies are procedures are outlined in the Association Policy Book.