Cargill Grants Over $3 Million to National FFA Organization

Cargill has allocated a substantial three-year grant totaling $3.15 million to bolster the National FFA Organization's endeavors in cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders.

This multi-year funding will underpin various programs and initiatives of the National FFA Organization from 2023 to 2025. It encompasses support for the organization's sustainability endeavors, its equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, as well as its impactful Living to Serve program. Furthermore, during the National FFA Convention & Expo, the grant will facilitate the provision of booth spaces, assist in hosting the rodeo, and sponsor travel grants for participants in career development events (CDE). Additionally, the grant will contribute to the recognition of excellence through the American FFA Degree and the American Star Awards.

Moreover, Cargill's grant will facilitate programs aimed at fostering exploration of agricultural career pathways, such as AgExplorer and specific pathways like Food Products and Processing and Animal Systems. In 2024, the grant will also extend support to the Next Gen Conference, focusing on food, processing, and products, slated for June 25-29, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In its inaugural year, the Cargill grant has made a significant impact on FFA activities. It has facilitated 77,678 hours of service through Living to Serve Grants, involving FFA members, non-members, and adults. Additionally, it supported the participation of 619 FFA members in national competitive events related to the Food Products and Processing career pathway and aided 1,600 members in Animal Systems competitive events. Furthermore, the grant facilitated 14 travel grants for CDE participants to partake in the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo. Moreover, it contributed to the funding of the State Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Collaborative, engaging nine states in the 2022-23 cohort and 14 states in the 2023-24 cohort.

Both National FFA and Cargill anticipate a continued fruitful partnership to maximize the impact of the remaining two years of the grant.

"We are honored to receive this grant from Cargill," said Molly Ball, president of the National FFA Foundation and chief marketing officer of the National FFA Organization. "Throughout our partnership, Cargill has been unwavering in its support and continues to see the potential leaders in our members and advisors. This grant allows us to reach more members and continue providing new opportunities that help feed the talent pipeline."

“Cargill is grateful for the opportunity to continue our partnership with the FFA, which spans more than 60 years,” said Rob Stewart, director of Growth Ventures and Emerging Markets for Cargill’s North American Protein business. “Together, we‘re able to convene the best and brightest young minds to create awareness and enthusiasm for diversity, equity and inclusion as well as sustainability programming to ensure a stronger future for the agriculture industry and our world.” 

The National FFA Organization stands as a school-based national youth leadership development organization with over 945,000 student members across 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.