INDIANAPOLIS- (Monday, July 29, 2024/National FFA Organization) – FFA State Officer leaders from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands convened in Washington, D.C., July 22-26 to advocate for agriculture at the federal level during the National FFA State Officer Summit. 

State officer teams met virtually with their representatives to share the importance of agriculture and agricultural education while advocating for the extension of funding for FFA through the Farm Bill and inviting legislators to join the Congressional FFA Caucus.

The National FFA State Officer Summit took place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. The five-day training focused on serving as an advocate for agriculture and FFA, as well as developing clear and consistent messages related to agriculture and FFA.

INVITATION TO JOIN THE CONGRESSIONAL FFA CAUCUS
When meeting with their state legislators, FFA student leaders shared about the Congressional FFA Caucus and invited them to become members. The bi-partisan caucus was founded and is co-chaired by Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) in the House of Representatives and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Senator John Boozman (R-AR). It has representation from both sides of the aisle from the House and Senate and advocates for strong career and technical education legislation, maintaining a youth perspective in agriculture and nutrition policy, and strengthening relationships between Congress and agricultural education teachers and FFA members. Elected officials interested in joining can reach out to a Caucus co-chairs’ offices for further information.

ADVOCATE FOR THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP GRANT IN FARM BILL
FFA members also asked for the reauthorization of a grant in 7 U.S.C. 7630(d)(2) that supports youth organizations including National FFA, the National 4-H Council, Boy Scouts of America, and Girls Scouts of America as part of the U.S. Farm Bill. National FFA asks for support in extending the sunshine date of this grant to coincide with the next reauthorization of the U.S. Farm Bill.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the industry of agriculture contributes more than $1.5 trillion to America’s gross domestic product, and funding will provide consistent support for organizations working to prepare the next generation of global leaders in agriculture.

For more information, visit https://www.ffa.org/participate/conference/state-officer-leadership-continuum/.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.