Reps. Mann, Panetta, GT Thompson, and Bonamici Celebrate National FFA Week

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), co-chairs of the Congressional FFA Caucus, and U.S. Representatives GT Thompson (PA-15) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), co-chairs of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution designating February 18 through 25 as National FFA Week. The resolution garnered the support of 78 cosponsors in the House and was also adopted and introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Chris Coons (D-DE).

This resolution designates February 18 through February 25, 2023, as National FFA Week, recognizes the important role that FFA plays in developing the next generation of leaders in food and agriculture, and celebrates the 90th anniversary of the iconic FFA jacket.

“Happy National FFA Week,” said Rep. Mann. “Right now, hundreds of thousands of FFA members in Kansas and across the country are celebrating the time-honored tradition of National FFA Week. They’re hosting events to thank their teachers and local farmers, volunteering in and serving their communities, and recruiting their peers to join them as members of our country’s premier youth development organization.As a past chapter FFA officer from Quinter, Kansas, proud FFA alumnus, and founder of the Congressional FFA Caucus, I am honored to introduce this resolution to celebrate National FFA Week.”

“National FFA Week would allow us to formally recognize all that young farmers and ranchers do to contribute to our communities and country throughout the year,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to acknowledge and encourage their work with the creation of National FFA Week. This legislation demonstrates Congress’ commitment to supporting the mission of FFA and the next generation who will work in agriculture and strengthen our nation’s food security.”  

“National FFA Week is a meaningful week for members across our country as we continue to share the message of agriculture and agricultural education while celebrating our more than 850,000 members and our supporters,” said National FFA Advisor Dr. Travis Park. “Today, FFA and agricultural education continue to play a key role in developing the next generation of leaders and those who will be filling the ever-growing need in the talent pipeline across our food systems. We are grateful to our elected officials for supporting National FFA Week and their continued support of our organization.”

“I’m proud to join my colleagues in recognizing the next generation of agriculture leaders through National FFA Week," said Rep. Thompson. The dedicated FFA students are proof the industry’s future is very bright and I am grateful to these young people for their commitment to American agriculture.”

“I’m glad to recognize the work of FFA by introducing this bipartisan resolution with my colleagues in the Congressional FFA Caucus and the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus,” said Rep. Bonamici. “Agriculture is an integral part of Oregon’s economy, and to thrive we need a skilled workforce for our farms, ranches, vineyards, and dairies. FFA is helping to prepare and educate the next generation of leaders in food and agriculture. We celebrate their contributions during National FFA Week and appreciate them throughout the year.”

“Throughout Hoosier communities, FFA plays a critical role in the development of students through agricultural education. The lessons, tools, and resources gained through the FFA program equip Indiana’s future leaders with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of fields,” said Sen. Young. “I’m glad to introduce this resolution establishing National FFA Week in support of the more than 11,600 FFA members in Indiana.”

“Delaware’s long agricultural history continues to foster bright, young minds to meet today’s global challenges,” said Sen. Coons. “As a member of the FFA Caucus, I’m proud to support the Delaware FFA, the National FFA Organization, and their critical role in developing the minds and values of young Delawareans. I’m glad to have worked with over fifty of my colleagues on this bipartisan resolution recognizing National FFA Week and the organization’s incalculable contributions to Delaware and to our nation.”

Click here for the text of the resolution.

The National FFA Organization is a congressionally chartered school-based national youth leadership organization of more than 850,823 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Reps. Mann and Panetta originally launched the Congressional FFA Caucus in December of 2021. The organization serves to raise the profile of school-based agricultural education and FFA and to develop relationships between Congress and the next generation of leaders in food and agriculture.

Rep. Mann is also a member of the House Career and Technical Education Caucus. The CTE Caucus raises awareness of and support for the CTE community and leads on legislation related to these issues.

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