Three Tennessee leaders — Gov. Bill Lee, Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt and Rep. Johnny Shaw — have been selected to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree, the highest honor the National FFA Organization can bestow upon an individual.
The Honorary American FFA Degree recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional service on a national level to agriculture, agricultural education or FFA, with an impact extending beyond the local, regional or state level. The National FFA Board of Directors makes the final decision on recipients.
Tennessee FFA Director Ryan Inman nominated all three recipients for the national honor.
“Gov. Lee, Commissioner Holt and Representative Shaw have each made a lasting investment in the future of agriculture by creating opportunities for young people to learn, lead and prepare for careers in our industry,” Inman said. “Their support of FFA and agricultural education has had an impact well beyond the classroom and beyond Tennessee. These leaders have earned this recognition through their commitment to strengthening agriculture and preparing the next generation to lead it.”
Gov. Bill Lee
Gov. Lee has made significant investments in agricultural education, youth development and workforce preparation during his administration.
In 2019, he established the Agricultural Education and Youth Participation Task Force, bringing together education, industry and government leaders to address agricultural workforce needs and strengthen student engagement.
Lee also requested a historic $92 million investment in FFA and 4-H camp facilities, providing $46 million for each organization. The investment has expanded opportunities for leadership development, hands-on learning and agricultural career preparation for Tennessee students.
Source : tn.gov