Congress has gotten into the act of celebrating National FFA Week, which is Feb. 17 to 24.
U.S. Reps. Tracey Mann, of Kansas (pictured above), and Jimmy Panetta, of California, co-chairs of the Congressional FFA Caucus, and U.S. Reps. GT Thompson, of Pennsylvania, and Suzanne Bonamici, of Oregon, co-chairs of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, recently introduced a bipartisan resolution designating National FFA Week.
The resolution garnered the support of 101 cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives and was also introduced and adopted in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Todd Young, of Indiana, and Chris Coons, of Delaware.
This resolution recognizes the important role that FFA plays in developing the next generation of leaders in food and agriculture, and celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue program which provides FFA jackets to members in need.
“Happy National FFA Week,”said Rep. Mann. “This week, nearly one million FFA members are celebrating by fulfilling their motto —‘Learning to do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, and Living to Serve.’ They’re leading service activities in their communities, sharing the story of food and agriculture with their classmates, showcasing their supervised agricultural experiences, and expressing their appreciation for our agricultural educators. As a past chapter FFA officer from Quinter, Kansas, proud FFA alumnus, and founder of the Congressional FFA Caucus, I’m honored to introduce this resolution to celebrate National FFA Week.”
“Our country needs a new generation of young farmers, ranchers, and producers ready to take the lead and cement the United States’ agricultural leadership,” said Rep. Panetta. “This bipartisan resolution recognizes the vital contributions of the National FFA Organization in training leaders who are ready to bolster both American food security and innovation. I am proud to once again work with my FFA Caucus co-chair, Rep. Mann, to support the men and women who wear the blue jacket and are moving American agriculture forward.”
“National FFA Week is a meaningful week for members across our country as we celebrate an organization that is welcoming to all and crucial to developing the next generation of leaders and those who will fill the ever-growing need in the talent pipeline,” said National FFA Advisor Travis Park. “Not only is it an opportunity to share our message with a broader audience, but it’s also an opportunity for our FFA chapters and members to celebrate agriculture and agricultural education while thanking their supporters—their local alumni and supporters chapters, agriculture teachers, or local businesses.”
Critical role
“The National FFA Organization plays a critical role in shaping and educating the next generation of farmers, producers, and ranchers,” said Rep. Thompson. “This resolution recognizes the importance of FFA and its ability to expose students to a wide range of agricultural careers. Let us celebrate the past, present, and future FFA leaders who help young people develop their talents and explore their interests in the agriculture industry.”
“FFA helps prepare students to enter careers in agriculture and provides them with an opportunity for hands-on learning,” said Rep. Bonamici. “Students who participate in FFA are the future skilled workforce for farms, ranches, vineyards, and dairies, which are all essential to our everyday lives and economy. I’m pleased to join my colleagues in the bipartisan Congressional FFA Caucus and Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus during National FFA week to recognize the value of FFA.”
Senators praise FFA
“Throughout Hoosier communities and our country, FFA plays a critical role in the development of students through agricultural education. The lessons, tools, and resources gained through the FFA program equip Indiana’s future leaders with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of fields,” said Sen. Young. “I’m glad to lead this resolution establishing National FFA Week in support of the more than 13,000 FFA members in Indiana.”
“Young leaders in the First State learn to meet agricultural challenges and develop leadership skills through programs offered by the Delaware FFA and the National FFA Organization, taught by our talented agricultural educators,” said Sen. Coons. “Here in the Senate, I’m proud to join Sen. Young to introduce a bipartisan resolution honoring this critical organization and its members who contribute so much to the fabric of our communities.”
