Future farmers program works with USDA to support industry students

The National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation have entered into a new alliance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Council for Agricultural Education designed to develop agriculture students’ skills, leadership qualities, personal growth and career success.
Under the agreement, the FFA will work with the USDA to identify the needs and interests of agriculture teachers, students, communities, farmers, agribusiness and related groups. The FFA will also collaborate with other USDA programs, such as 4-H and Agriculture in the Classroom, to extend efforts to educate and inform students about agriculture and promote awareness of career opportunities within the agriculture industry. “The National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation believe that this new strategic partnership will heighten our collective focus on our common goals and significantly strengthen our combined efforts to effectively train and develop tomorrow’s leaders in the science, business and technology of agriculture,” said Rob Cooper, executive director of the National FFA Foundation. “The FFA is committed to increased collaboration with the federal government and council.”
The agreement was signed by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack after a meeting in Washington with representatives from the FFA, the National FFA Foundation, the USDA and council.