USDA and FFA Sign Memorandum of Understanding

The USDA and the National FFA Association signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday to collaborate on youth-oriented projects.

Secretary Sonny Perdue told a group of FFA leaders that they want to involve young people in telling the story of agriculture.

“We need the vitality of these youth to come in, to make sure that we can be as productive in the next 50 years as we’ve been in the past 50 years.”

The relationship has been largely informal according to Perdue, and this agreement makes it more formal.

FFA CEO Mark Poeschl said this will be greatly beneficial to the youth and the ag sector.

“I think tangibly it means that students will have opportunities to understand more about the 250+ careers that are unique to agriculture and how it impacts the future.”

Perdue said he loves the young people of agriculture and their energy and he’s excited to formalize their working arrangement.