U.S. Reps. Sam Graves (R-MO), Mike Kelly (R-PA), and Adrian Smith (R-NE) joined 62 of their colleagues to introduce a bipartisan resolution designating Feb. 21-28 as National FFA Week, which would recognize the important role of the National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America (FFA).
House Resolution (H.Res.) 1073, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS) and lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), who are co-chairs of the Congressional FFA Caucus, also would celebrate the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the State of Alaska as a State FFA Association. U.S. Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Chris Coons (D-DE) will introduce companion legislation in the Senate.
“I worked on my family’s farm as a kid growing up in western Pennsylvania. Today, agriculture continues to be one of Pennsylvania’s top industries, from dairy to livestock to row crops, and more,” Rep. Kelly said. “Generations of young farmers have participated in the FFA. It’s important that we recognize the hard work and sacrifice local farm families make to put food on our tables each and every day.”
The National FFA Organization is a congressionally chartered, school-based, national youth leadership organization of more than one million student members in grades 5-12 who are part of 9,400 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“Since 1928, Nebraska FFA has helped shape our state’s next generation of agricultural leaders, equipping young people with the skills, experience, and passion needed to feed and fuel our world,” said Rep. Smith. “I am proud to cosponsor this year’s National FFA Week resolution and join members across the country in celebrating the extraordinary work of the National FFA Organization.”
“With dedicated young leaders like these stepping forward, I have no doubt the future of American agriculture is bright,” he added.
Rep. Graves also said that the FFA had a big impact on his life, instilling leadership skills while he was in high school that he still carries with him today.
“FFA continues to provide high-quality agriculture education, as well as valuable lessons in leadership and personal growth for the next generation,” Rep. Graves said, “and I’m proud to celebrate National FFA Week.”
H.R. 1073 has garnered support from the National FFA Organization, and has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.
“Our nation is yearning and ready for the next generation of young farmers, ranchers, and producers to continue 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.”