The future of California agriculture doesn’t actually reside in the future — it is here now. Upcoming ag leaders are living in our homes, learning in our schools and preparing to take their place in industries ready to receive them.
This understanding, coupled with a passion for the California almond community and its future, grounds the Almond Board of California (ABC) in its multiple avenues of support for the California FFA Association. California FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The California association currently serves more than 80,000 student members in over 320 high schools, from urban schools in Los Angeles and the Bay Area to rural schools across the state.
FFA student meeting with USDA Undersecretary Greg Ibach at The Almond Conference 2018.
Among the Almond Board’s various contributions to California FFA is its financial support. In 2011, ABC hosted its first silent auction fundraiser for California FFA at The Almond Conference (TAC), with funds from the auction going towards student proficiencies and scholarships. Then in 2016, the Almond Leadership Program took ownership of the auction, and the class was tasked with securing donations and raising funds for high school students looking to pursue careers in agriculture.
Jenny Nicolau, manager, Industry Relations at the Almond Board, said the nature and purpose of California FFA prompts support and involvement from the Leadership class.
“The FFA program trains and prepares passionate students to take on industry roles after graduation. It is therefore a duty — and honor — for Almond Leadership Program participants to support an organization that helps fuel the future of California agriculture.”
Last year, the 2017 Leadership class raised more than $30,000 for young ag leaders. The bulk of these dollars went toward ten official Almond Board of California FFA scholarships, with two students receiving the highest financial award of $5,000. Nicolau and Rebecca Bailey, program coordinator, Industry Relations, joined roughly 7,000 attendees at the 90th Annual State FFA Leadership Conference, held in April of this year, to witness the presentation of these awards.
Katie Otto, foundation development director at California FFA, said funds raised by the Almond Leadership Program made up nearly 50% of the scholarships awarded at the conference.
“In the past five years, the Almond Board and the Almond Leadership Program have invested more than $80,000 in support of FFA members’ educational pursuits and awards,” said Otto. “This support has had a significant, lasting impact on scholarship recipients.”
In addition to providing financial support, ABC provides resources and offers knowledge-sharing to interested students and their California FFA Chapters. The Almond Board also invites students from five California FFA Chapters to serve at The Almond Conference. During the event, students greet and offer directions to TAC attendees, work at the silent auction booth and scan name badges at meals. Last year, while walking the trade show floor, students had the opportunity to snap a picture and shake hands with Undersecretary Greg Ibach of USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs. These students later shared the interaction was a highlight of their time at the conference.
For Otto, one cannot stress enough how contributions from organizations such as the Almond Board of California make a difference for California FFA and, ultimately, students in our state.
“California FFA cultivates one of our most precious commodities: our youth,” said Otto. “They are the next generation of PCA’s, growers, accountants, mechanics, lobbyists, scientists… the list goes on.
“We are successful in cultivating employees and leaders because of the investment made by industry leaders such as the Almond Board and the Almond Leadership Program,” said Otto.
Nicolau and Bailey both participated in California FFA during their high school years. They too see true value in this program and believe there’s a need to continue to give back to tomorrow’s leaders.
“We know many in the almond industry have benefitted from their experience as FFA members, and to see the investment they have made in giving back to current members is truly inspiring,” said Otto. “There is tremendous value for our members to know that they are generously supported by the almond industry and FFA alumni.”
The 2018 Almond Leadership class has pledged to raise $20,000 for California FFA scholarships. Industry members looking to show their support for tomorrow’s ag leaders may donate online to California FFA or provide a silent auction item for the 2018 Almond Conference. In addition, members of the Leadership class are hosting a golf tournament fundraiser for California FFA on October 11 at the Dragonfly Golf Course in Madera. Be sure to check out future California Outlook newsletters for more on this fun event!
For more information on how you can join the Almond Board in supporting California FFA, contact Rebecca Bailey at rbailey@almondboard.com.
