Each year, the National FFA Organization recognizes organizations, agencies, businesses, or other groups that have made outstanding contributions to FFA and agricultural education. In recognition of their outstanding contribution to supporting our next generation of leaders, those companies are awarded the Distinguished Service Citation at the National FFA Convention & Expo. This year’s Distinguished Service Citations will be awarded to Harvest Capital Co., Microsoft and Syngenta.
Brian and Laurie Field
Harvest Capital Co. of Canby, Oregon, is a significant provider of funding to agriculture and resources practitioners in the Western United States. Owners Brian and Laurie Field continue to support FFA as a legacy to their FFA experiences. In their words, they “have witnessed and felt the impact that FFA makes in young people’s lives.”
In addition to monetary donations, the Fields contribute their time and talents to FFA.
Mary Snapp with Microsoft
In 2018, Microsoft, based in Redmond, Washington, began its partnership with the National FFA Foundation. Over the last few years, the partnership has grown to include sharing resources to provide the next generation of leaders passionate about feeding our world, respecting our planet and improving lives. Through the company’s support of FFA Blue 365, the FFA Blue Room came to life in various ways, showcasing innovations in technology and sustainability within agriculture.
“As a company, Microsoft is committed to empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more,” said Mary Snapp, vice president of strategic initiatives at Microsoft. “We’re proud to be working with the National FFA Foundation to help students across the country learn digital skills needed across agriculture and food systems, now and for the future.”
Syngenta of Greensboro, North Carolina, has been an FFA corporate partner since 1963. In addition to playing a role in leadership development events, the agriscience fair, the American Star Awards and the American FFA Degree, they also helped the organization define the equity, diversity, and inclusion statement to make FFA a welcoming and safe place for all. In addition, Syngenta is currently chartering a corporate alumni chapter to become more involved with FFA members at the local level.
“Syngenta is very proud of our almost 60-year partnership with National FFA, and [we] are thrilled to receive the 2021 Distinguished Service Citation. Syngenta supports FFA because of the leadership qualities and career readiness of its members,” shares Kathy Eichlin, Syngenta’s head of internal communications.
