HARRISBURG – (October 4, 2019) What do high school and middle school students think Pennsylvania should do to keep our farming heritage alive?
Sen. Michele Brooks encourages students to share their ideas in a video of three minutes or less as part of the third annual “Talk to Your State Senator” video contest.
While agriculture is the state’s top industry and a major force in our state and local economies, the industry is threatened by market conditions, the impending retirement of many seasoned farmers, and a complex web of other factors, Brooks said.
“Mercer, Crawford, Erie and Warren Counties are home to some of our area’s finest farms and deepest family roots,” Brooks said. “In talking with so many young farmers and students at our local fairs, festivals, farm shows, and classroom visits, as well as in the community, I know our young people have so many creative ideas to offer that will help keep farming growing.”
The contest, sponsored by the state Senate and Rutter’s chain of convenience stores, is open to Pennsylvania students in grades 6 through 12, including all public school, private school and home school students.
A total of $10,000 in prizes will be awarded through the PA 529 college savings program administered by the state’s Department of Treasury. Prizes will be deposited into a college savings account in the winner(s) name. Videos will be judged based on creativity, content and effectiveness of message delivery.
The contest will remain open through January 31, 2020. Winners will be announced in May 2020. More information on the contest is available online at www.legis.state.pa.us/talk-to-your-state-senator/.
Contact: Diane McNaughton dmmcnaughton@pasen.gov (717) 787-1322