INDIANAPOLIS — Cargill awarded a three-year grant totaling $3.15 million to the National FFA Organization, a school-based national youth leadership development organization, in support of its commitment to building up the future generation of agriculture leaders.

“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.”

The grant supports several of the organization’s programs and events, including its sustainability platform; the equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) pathway; and the Living to Serve program that empowers students to make a positive impact on their community through volunteering.

During the National FFA Convention & Expo, the grant supports a booth, the rodeo and travel grants for career development event (CDE) participants. The funding also supports the American FFA Degree and the American Star Awards, which are presented at the convention.

Additionally, Cargill’s grant covers funding for programs that encourage the exploration of career pathways in agriculture, including AgExplorer and two career pathways – Food Products and Processing as well as Animal Systems. The grant will support the Next Gen Conference, held June 25-29, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minn. The conference focuses on food, processing and products.

With the first year of the three-year grant completed, the National FFA Organization reported an impactful year thanks to the funding.

In the fall of 2023, FFA members, non-FFA members and adults were able to complete 77,678 hours of service through projects funded by yearlong Living to Serve Grants. Cargill’s grant supported 619 FFA members who participated in national events related to the Food Products and Processing career pathway as well as 1,600 members who participated in Animal Systems competitive events. Fourteen travel grants were made available to CDE participants.

The National FFA Organization has more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

“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.”