National Ffa Week

Floor Speech

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Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the National FFA Organization and celebrate National FFA Week, February 19-26, 2022. This is a week to applaud the positive impact FFA has made on our country and acknowledge the accomplishments of its members.

Previously known as the Future Farmers of America, the National FFA Organization was founded in 1928 by a group of young farmers with dreams to develop an organization which would address the challenges of feeding a growing population. These young farmers' leadership, experience, and passion for the industry became a movement that, for nearly 100 years, has adapted to represent the entirety of agriculture, not just farming. The National FFA Organization has been an institution where students can grow as both agriculturists and leaders. Today, there are 735,038 FFA members in 8,817 chapters across all 50 States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC. In my home State of Arkansas, FFA has 229 chapters with close to 16,000 members.

FFA is a part of an integrated model that implements classroom agricultural education and hands-on, experiential learning. I commend the more than 13,000 agricultural science teachers and FFA advisers who prepare the next generation of leaders. It is because of them that we can be confident in the upcoming farmers, ranchers, foresters, agriculturalists, scientists, educators, and those who seek a career outside of the agricultural industry.

I have been fortunate to spend some time with these impressive young people. They hail from different parts of the country and come from unique backgrounds, but all possess the same passion for agriculture and service. It is always encouraging hearing FFA members share their experiences and goals for the future. There is no doubt they are prepared to make those goals reality.

FFA is about more than preparing students for careers in agriculture. It teaches leadership skills, instills a sense of service, and places young Arkansans and young people all over the country on the right path for success. After leaving their chapters, these young leaders continue to make a positive difference in the world around them. There are over 8 million FFA alumni. Alumni continue to use the knowledge and skills acquired while they were members. I know this to be true. Currently, I have eight FFA alumni on my staff, including some who received the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization and alumni who served as chapter, State, and national officers.

FFA members inspire those they serve, and I, too, have been impressed by the members and their accomplishments. I am increasingly optimistic about the future of agriculture, especially with passionate, dedicated leaders, like the ones developed by FFA, at the helm. FFA members serve as a reminder that our future is bright. I am honored to applaud the great work of FFA at the local, State, and national level as we celebrate National FFA Week.

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