Pollak Theatre at Monmouth University

Thank you, Mr. President, for having me here. Hello, FFA. Who did I see at T.C.N.J. earlier this year? Can I get a show of hands? Who was there? Alright, a fair amount of you.

My name is Alex Sauickie. I’m the newest member of the New Jersey General Assembly.

First off, welcome to Monmouth County. I wanted to do a little bit of a shout-out to my favorite FFA chapter in Allentown. Really, at any opportunity I get to go to an FFA event, I’m there. I particularly like getting to the Allentown folks and seeing what they’re doing.

I’ll be brief. I just wanted to say hi and let you guys know that, as the state president said, you definitely have an advocate in Trenton. I am one of only five members of the Agriculture and Food Security Committee. As part of that, I’m looking to introduce legislation that really impacts farmers and agriculture in general.

Some of those include things like getting a better formula in place for farmland appraisal. The farmer has been in a bad position for decades, where in many cases, generational farmers are forced to sell their land to developers who can pay a much higher price. So that, for example, has a lot of momentum right now. It’s actually passed the Assembly and is something that I hope to see get over the finish line soon to give the farmer a much fairer opportunity.

In addition, we’ve got bills in that help farmers employ, to mentor, and one that I’m most proud of is a bill for loan redemption for teachers who want to become teachers in agriculture. So all these ideas, so you know, they’re not mine—it’s from meeting with boards of agriculture in the different counties and really from hearing from folks like you.

You should be proud of what you do. I’m always, always highly impressed when I’m at these events. And it’s a risk when I follow such great speakers. And you guys always have terrific speakers. So you should be proud of what you do, keep doing what you do, and please have a great convention. Thank you.

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Remarks by Assemblyman Alex Sauickie from Monmouth University at the New Jersey State FFA Association’s annual state convention on May 24, 2023. The New Jersey FFA is a state-wide educational organization developing students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Learn more at jerseyageducation.nj.gov.