2023 House Resolution 41

Whereas, Future Farmers of America (FFA) was established in 1928 and is now known as the National FFA Organization. In 1950, Congress granted FFA a federal charter, making it a vital part of public agricultural instruction under the National Vocational Education Act; and

Whereas, The National FFA Organization is comprised of 735,038 members in grades seven through twelve; and

Whereas, These members belong to one of 8,817 local FFA chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; and

Whereas, FFA operates on local, state, and national levels. Student members belong to chapters at the local level where agricultural educators serve as chapter advisors; and

Whereas, FFA members elect their own student officers that plan and conduct activities with supervision from their advisors; and

Whereas, States conduct annual conventions where members can demonstrate their proficiency in competitions based on real-world agricultural skills; and

Whereas, Local, state, and national FFA programs help members develop public speaking skills, conduct and participate in meetings, manage financial matters, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and assume civic responsibilities; and

Whereas, The National FFA convention is the organization’s premier gathering during which competitors are recognized nationally; and

Whereas, The National FFA Organization has expanded opportunities in the agricultural industry. The FFA helps members prepare for careers in agribusiness, agri-marketing, science, communications, education, horticulture, production, natural resources, forestry, and other diverse fields; and

Whereas, Members of the FFA strengthen their communities through service and preparation of the next generation of leaders to conquer challenges; and

Whereas, There are more than 685,226 FFA alumni and supporters across the country that support and advocate for agricultural education; and

Whereas, Members of the FFA Organization will celebrate National FFA Week during the week of February 19 through 26, 2023; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare February 18-25, 2023, as National FFA Week in the state of Michigan. We encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate the important role of the National FFA Organization in building valuable skills through hands-on learning and developing young students for leadership, personal growth, and career success.