Illustrating its commitment to investing in farming’s future, FMC Corporation is helping youth education through support of FFA.
“To continue America’s leadership in agriculture, we need to engage students now,” said John Kasper, FMC Agricultural Solutions North America commercial business director. “FFA prepares students for more than 300 careers and reaches more than 600,000 members. Our support can make a positive difference in the lives of many young people who will be the future scientists, business leaders and educators in global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource industries.”
FMC is providing grants to FFA chapters in each of its three, U.S.-based FMC Agricultural Solutions plant communities. The support is aimed at helping expand students’ interest in science and agriculture by engaging with FMC visiting scientists, and developing vital career skills through participation in Career Development Events (CDE). The local FFA chapters earning grants are located at Walter Biddle Saul High School in Philadelphia, Pa.; Stark County High School in Toulon, Ill.; and Royalton-Hartland High School in Middleport, N.Y.
Nationally, students will be recognized with the FFA Agriscience Plant Systems Research Proficiency Award, which is co-sponsored by FMC. This award supports students engaged in plant systems research. The research covers the life cycles, classifications, functions and practices of plant systems related to crops, turf grass, trees and shrubs and/or ornamental plants. Awards are made available to every FFA chapter across the country. Four national finalists will receive a $500 cash award, and the winner receives an additional $500 award. FMC executives will judge the national finalist entries and present the awards during the National FFA Convention on October 29-31.
“FFA makes it possible for students to match their classroom learning with supervised experiences and leadership programs,” said Glenn Sims, National FFA Foundation senior regional director. “It is because of the ongoing educational support from our sponsors, such as FMC, that agricultural students grow and gain career success.”