The 2025 International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO) conference had 75 members traveling to Spain and Portugal.
On Jan. 4, 2025, 75 past and current FFA state officers from across the country embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the countries of Spain and Portugal for the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO) conference. These state officers visited cities across the two countries while learning about the region’s agriculture.
Among the state officers on the trip was Chloe Zittergruen, the 2024-25 Iowa FFA state secretary and the 2025-26 Iowa FFA state president.
Agriculture in Spain and Portugal
The main agricultural exports of Spain and Portugal are olive oil and wine. Spain accounts for roughly 40% of the world’s olive oil production at around 770,000 metric tons. Portugal also has a role in olive oil production, producing about 150,000 metric tons. Wine is another large industry in the Iberian Peninsula, where the two countries are located. Spain produces approximately 745 million gallons of wine in a year, and Portugal produces roughly 200 million.
State officers who attended ILSSO had the chance to get a firsthand look at the heart of these impactful industries. “It was really cool to see how different parts of the world all work together to reach the common goal of feeding the world,” says Zittergruen.
Impact of FFA Experiences
When asked about the trip, Zittergruen said the people she attended with made the trip. “Even though six of my fellow teammates went, branching out to others led to meaningful friendships,” she says. “These people create lasting memories while on the trip, but also weave their ways into every part of your life.”
The insights and experiences Zittergruen and 74 other FFA state officers gained are not limited to just the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers. The National FFA Organization hosts many conferences for members to attend.
“FFA conferences give members the opportunity to experience the vast agriculture industries across the United States and the world, all while giving the space for attendees to grow in the uncomfortable,” says Zittergruen.
