INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 /National FFA Organization) – Three sponsors will be honored with the Distinguished Service Citation during an onstage ceremony at this year’s National FFA Convention & Expo held in Indianapolis, Oct. 30-Nov. 2.

BASF of Triangle Research Park, N.C.; Farm Credit Alliance of Rocklin, Calif.; and Valent U.S.A. of Walnut Creek, Calif. will receive the citation for their outstanding contributions to FFA and agricultural education on the national level.

Since 1956, BASF has been a sponsor of the National FFA Organization. An original supporter of the FFA Blue Room, the company also contributes to the state officer continuum and the National Association of Agricultural Educators. In fact, this year, they hosted the satellite broadcast of Teach Ag Events at their headquarters. They have been a supporter not only of National FFA, but also of local chapters as well.

Farm Credit Alliance has been a generous sponsor of FFA at the local, state and national level for many years. Their contribution shows how they embrace and regularly demonstrate the pillars of philanthropy giving of their time, talent and treasure. In fact, in their financial support impacts more than 14 percent of FFA members on a national level. They support countless FFA chapters on local levels through financial support as well as serving as members on advisory committees and as judges and coaches for career and leadership development events.

Since 2000, Valent has been a National FFA Organization sponsor. They continue to demonstrate their commitment to agricultural education and youth leadership development with their support of National FFA Proficiency Awards, advocacy and literacy as well as educational resources. In addition, Valent hosts workshops at the National FFA Convention & Expo for teachers and students. The company has also formed a corporate alumni chapter to engage employees and promote their partnership with FFA.

Awards such as the Distinguished Service Citation recognize that FFA and its partners make a greater impression on students through the cooperation of the entire community. FFA and agricultural education programs have helped millions of students achieve extraordinary success for more than 90 years.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to more than 700,000 student members who belong to one of the more than 8,600 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by more than 8 million alumni and supporters throughout the U.S.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of more than 700,000 student members as part of 8,600 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, Twitter, and the official news page of the National FFA Organization.

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.