Microsoft and FFA Announce Partnership

On Thursday, Microsoft and the National FFA Organization announced a partnership intended to benefit 650,000 students across the U.S.  The goal is to bring science, technology, research and entrepreneurship into the classroom though a new program, Blue 365.

Microsoft President Brad Smith says some in the business world may be surprised at Microsoft’s interest in working with the FFA.  But he said it’s a natural fit for the Renton, WA-based tech giant.  He said the history of the United States is the history of agriculture.

“We are a country that was founded on the farm, and ever since, agriculture has been one of the pillars of the American economy.  But it’s actually more than that, because in truth it’s really been a history that’s brought together agriculture, technology, education, and leadership.”

Smith said Blue 365 will serve as a catalyst for evolving sustainability, innovative efficiency, and cultivating talent with the Ag sector.  He noted that technology is once again, changing the face of farming and agriculture in America.

“The future of agriculture is increasingly precision agriculture.  And therefore we need not only future farmers, and veterinarians, and engineers and biologists, but future computer scientists, and future data scientists and really the future ability of everybody who is connected to a farm to be able to understand how that data and coding can come together.”

This collaboration expands upon Microsoft's TechSpark initiative.

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