A bipartisan resolution would celebrate National FFA Week and the organization’s work
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Members of the House of Representatives are working to recognize an ag organization for the important work it does.
A bipartisan resolution led by Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS) and Jim Langevin (D-RI) would celebrate the National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Organization for the role it plays in fostering the next generation of young leaders.
The resolution calls for the House of Representatives to support National FFA Week, which runs each year on the week of George Washington’s birthday. The resolution recognizes FFA’s work and celebrates 50 years of National FFA alumni and supporters.
More than 70 fellow House members cosponsored the bill. And 48 cosponsors from the Senate support the resolution too.
As of the 2017 Census of Agriculture, the average age of an American farmer was 57.
Most of FFA members are between the ages of 12 and 21. The organization has more than 760,000 members across the United States.
Recognizing organizations like FFA for the work it does to support tomorrow’s leaders and farmers is important, Mann said.
“As the average age of the American farmer continues to grow, it is important we invest in the next generation of food and agriculture,” he said in a statement. “In Kansas, FFA members in 220 chapters will be our future farmers, ranchers, engineers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, scientists, communicators and business people.”
FFA reps are pleased to see federal lawmakers recognize the organization’s efforts.
“This year, we also celebrate 50 years of National FFA Alumni and Supporters with an estimated 8 million alumni worldwide who have reaped the benefits of school-based agricultural education and membership in FFA,” Doster Harper, president of the National FFA, said in a statement. “As our organization works to grow the next generation of leaders in agriculture, we greatly appreciate Representatives Langevin and Mann, other members cosponsoring the resolution, and everyone joining us in celebrating National FFA Week.”