In much of the world, farming is a socioeconomic condition, not a career choice. Our population is expected to reach 9 billion people by the year 2050 and we will need to produce 60% more food with less land , less water, less fertilizer and less pesticides. Being a part of agriculture education is more exciting than ever because of the relevant opportunities and expanding possibilities that lie ahead.
Do you love agricultural education and FFA? Do you love adventure, travel, and service? if you answered yes, keep AgriCorps in mind for your future! AgriCorps is a non-profit organization that sends college of agriculture graduates to volunteer in the developing world for one year after they earn their Bachelors Degree. AgriCorps members teach agriculture in junior and senior high schools and teacher training colleges. They work to start or enhance school-based agricultural education clubs (like FFA and 4-H!) at their schools. With the help of their students, they build school farms that act as learning laboratories for the agriculture classes. The students sell the produce from the school farms and the money goes back to the club members. Some schools use their produce to start school feeding programs! We believe AgriCorps members are having a real impact on the lives of their students and the food security of their communities.
Trent McKnight, a past National Officer and founder of AgriCorps, stated on a recent trip to Ethiopia, “Wealth creation means to make something from nothing. It is the most basic tenet of capitalism and is what makes capitalism great. Last week I visited young farmers in Ethiopia and one told me, ‘4-H teaches us how to raise and sell two sheep so that we can make enough money to buy four sheep next year.’ This young man has learned the basic principle that will free him from poverty.”
AgriCorps is a new organization and our first team is finishing their year of service in Ghana. In August 2015, twenty new AgriCorps members will arrive in Ghana to start our second year! We’re planning on expanding to more countries in Africa and Latin America over the coming years.
During an AgriCorps member’s year of service they grown tremendously – both professionally and personally. It is impossible to live and work in the developing world and build authentic cross-cultural relationships without being changed. Our volunteers have a wider world-view and life experience that is critical to work in globalizing agricultural industry. Upon their return home
AgriCorps members have tremendous skills to bring to the workplace. We have members who are pursuing graduate degrees, careers in agricultural development and agricultural business, as well as teaching high school agriculture! If you want to be a part of the solution to help feed 9 billion people by 2050, think about joining AgriCorps when you graduate!
