Engaging with expertise.

In 2022, Syngenta, an FFA corporate partner for more than 40 years, provided the Na­tional FFA Organization with its first execu­tive-in-residence program, which helped lay a foundation for the work ahead.

Syngenta’s North America Diversity & Inclusion Lead, Brandon Bell, serves as the inaugural National FFA executive in residence for orga­nizational development and culture. As an internal consultant, Bell is helping to evaluate, build, and execute an EDI strategy for National FFA in collaboration with FFA leadership and stakeholders.

“I am honored and humbled at the opportuni­ty to partner with FFA for this executive-in-res­idence program,” Bell says. “I look forward to working with FFA to develop the next genera­tion of leaders who will create an inclusive and innovative agricultural industry of the future.”

David Hollinrake, Syngenta’s global head of strategy and portfolio management, currently serves on the National FFA Foundation Spon­sors’ Board. He comments, “When National FFA came to us and asked for help with their EDI strategy, we were very receptive as we are aligned with the FFA vision of creating the future leaders who will change the world. We’re simply fortunate that we have a won­derful leader in Brandon who not only has expertise in the field of EDI but also a passion for helping others.”

Engaging with the local level.

Realizing that removing barriers for a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive FFA means that it must happen at every level, National FFA has encouraged and initiated efforts for state FFA associations and, in 2022, launched the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion State Col­laborative program. With funding from the Walmart Foundation, the Zoetis Foundation, Syngenta, and Cargill for the collaborative, nine state FFA associations received imple­mentation grants to create EDI solutions: Illinois, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Each state is committed to one year of partic­ipation to establish clear, comprehensive and peer-reviewed plans. In addition, the states must complete action items and create at least 10 assets or best practices to share with other state leaders.

“The 2022-23 State EDI Collaborative provided nine states with educational and resources  development opportunities to strengthen their EDI efforts. Through the program, the states learned how to assess their EDI impact, develop an EDI action plan, communicate the plan with stakeholders and leverage resources among the states in the collaborative to grow a more equitable, diverse and inclusive FFA,” says Melissa Rekeweg, managing director of the National Council for Agricultural Education and associate director of strategic initiatives for National FFA. “National FFA plans to con­tinue to offer the program each year until all states can participate.”

Engaging with support.

With help from National FFA partners and donors, financial difficulties are being alleviated for FFA members to participate in National FFA activities, further their education and pursue careers.

Last October, at the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo, Tractor Supply Company, through its foundation, announced a commitment of $5 million to National FFA to be distributed at $1 million per year for the next five years.

Tractor Supply also provides local support to help FFA members participate in national activities. Tractor Supply stores in Missouri, Georgia, Alabama, Texas and North Carolina supplied funding for five chapters to go to national convention in 2022.

Likewise, recognizing that many chapters struggle financially to attend the National FFA Convention & Expo, Ford Trucks created the Ford Trucks 95th National FFA Convention Travel Chapter Assistance program. To help remove barriers and support members, Ford Trucks provided FFA chapters with $1,000 to help cover the costs of attending national convention. Grants were awarded to 25 chapters in 2022.

Another important contributor to help further FFA members’ experiences at the national convention and expo is the Dan Nafziger Memorial Convention Endowment. Funds from the endowment help chapters like West Rowan FFA, which traveled from Mount Ulla, N.C., to Indianapolis to compete in the agricultural issues forum leadership development event.

“You think about bringing a team of seven students to Indianapolis; it helped pay for some of their fuel in the bus. It also paid for hotel rooms, so it allowed us to have a full experience and maybe not the stress of fundraising to make it happen,” says Jason Chester, West Rowan FFA advisor.

Culver’s, CHS and other generous supporters, including individual donors, contributed to the travel assistance fund in 2022, making it possible for many FFA members to grow, learn and gain the skills they need to thrive.

As FFA continues to advance its inclusivity and accessibility while engaging current members in transformative experiences, the organization is deeply grateful for the partners and donors supporting these efforts.

STORY BY NICOLE WARD BECKLEY