Governor Nathan Deal was joined by Sen. John Wilkinson (R – Toccoa) and other legislators as he signed Senate Bill 330 into law in front of over 6,000 FFA members recently.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Wilkinson, creates a pilot program to develop and implement agricultural education in elementary schools. It establishes standards and a curriculum for the program for students in grades six through 12.
The legislation was introduced in January 2018 and passed the Senate and the House unanimously. Deal signed the bill on April 27 during the 90th annual Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention in Macon.
“I am honored Governor Deal signed this legislation into law and was humbled that the members at the annual FFA convention could witness this historic moment for agriculture education,” says Wilkinson.
Wilkinson represents the 50th Senate District in Georgia. He serves as Chairman of the Senate’s Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee.
“Many students across our state, whether in rural cities or large metropolitan areas, are disconnected with the role agriculture plays in their everyday lives,” he says. “From what we eat to what we wear, agriculture plays a vital role in our state’s economy and this program will help bring to light just how crucial agriculture is to students across Georgia.”
Wilkinson’s district includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns counties and portions of Hall and Jackson counties.
