January 20, 2011, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spoke at the National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ Board Meeting in Washington, DC. In attendance were the six National FFA Officers. During his speech the Secretary Vilsack issued a challenge to the National FFA Organization through the Officers.
“I would like for you (speaking directly to the officers) to work with your fellow students and the adult leadership of the organization to develop a series of recommendations around the upcoming Farm Bill that will encourage more young people to pursue careers in farming. Over the next few years we will need 100,000 new farmers and I am looking to you for ideas, guidance and suggestions to help make that happen. If you do this in a serious thoughtful manner (which I know you will do) I will make myself and all of my Under Secretaries available to hear this report. So that we can utilize this information to guide our input to Congress, I would like to have your report to me one year from today.”
This is an opportunity that FFA must take advantage of. Never before has the organization had this opportunity to provide direct input to the Secretary of Agriculture or members of Congress on ideas, suggestions and policies around the farm bill that could benefit FFA members and strengthen FFA and agricultural education.
Please click the Farm Bill link below to view the Farm Bill 101 Tutorial and the six discussion question threads.
Farm Bill The National FFA Officers and the National FFA Organization are seeking your input. Because of your participation in (New Century Farmer or State President’s Conference) you have demonstrated your interest in providing leadership for the next generation of agriculture. This is your opportunity to provide feedback to the National Officers for the report they will present to Secretary Vilsack later this fall. This will be a focus of the conference we ask your help in reviewing the materials, doing some research on your own, thinking through the following questions and providing input during our discussions. Moderator: Mark Cavell
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