Our quaint and rural community of Cambridge, New York is one with a rich and thriving agricultural heritage and legacy. It's all around us - from the productive tracts of open space, to the businesses in town who source local ingredients, to the professionals who service our family farms, to the numerous families who enjoy knowing their farmer and the freshness of their food - this town and it's people share in the rich agricultural bounty of this area.

This petition is being initiated by a group of interested consumers, parents and farmers who hope to share the lessons and rewards of a healthy and prosperous agricultural industry with our students. Agricultural programs are not only for farm kids. These school-level programs, which reach over one million students across the nation, implement inquiry-based learning in the classroom and career exploration through work study and supervised agricultural experiences. They can also develop lifelong leadership skills such as public speaking, teamwork, organization and civic service through the intra-curricular implementation of an FFA program. And it is a known fact that students who participate in agricultural education programs are more apt to graduate with the skills necessary to become productive citizens who will succeed in postsecondary education or the workforce, and more apt to return to their rural community with fulfilling and viable employment opportunities.

Please join with us in signing on to support the creation of an agriculture program at Cambridge Central School. This will not be an easy or simple task to accomplish, but with your support, we can initiate the conversation and seek out a plan to carry out this vital mission.