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FFA Basics
FFA History
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National FFA Constitution
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Agricultural Education Mission Statement:
Agricultural Education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems.

FFA Mission:
The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

To accomplish this mission, FFA:

• Develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership.
• Increases awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being.
• Strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work.
• Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career.
• Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs.
• Encourages wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community.
• Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction.
• Builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism.
• Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people.
• Promote healthy lifestyles.
• Encourages excellence in scholarship.

Membership
The FFA's 500,823 members and 7,358 chapters represent all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam and Rota. FFA is a diverse organization, operating in rural, urban and suburban schools. Students aged 12-21 enrolled in agricultural education programs are eligible for membership.

Science, Business and Technology
The organization changed its name in 1988 from Future Farmers of America to the National FFA Organization to reflect its evolution in response to expanded agricultural opportunities encompassing science, business and technology in addition to production farming. FFA members, who may enter the workforce directly or pursue higher degrees through technical schools and four-year universities, are preparing for careers in agricultural marketing, processing, communications, education, horticulture, production, natural resources, forestry, agribusiness and other diverse agricultural fields.

Federally Chartered
The FFA was organized nationally in 1928 in Kansas City, Mo. In 1950, Congress granted the FFA a federal charter, making it an integral, intra-curricular part of public agricultural instruction under the National Vocational Education Acts. Two of the FFA's top three executives are employed by the U.S. Department of Education. To find out more, go to Key Moments in FFA History.

Structure of FFA
The FFA operates on local, state and national levels. Student members belong to chapters organized at the local school level. Agricultural education instructors serve as chapter advisors. Chapters are organized under state associations headed by an advisor and executive secretary, often employees of the state department of education. States conduct programs and host annual conventions.

The National FFA Organization, governed by a Board of Directors and a Board of Student Officers, charters state associations; provides direction, programmatic materials and support; and hosts the National FFA Convention, which draws more than 45,000 attendees each October. The National FFA Alumni Association's more than 40,000 members in 1,200 affiliates assist in the continued growth and development of active FFA programs.

Applied Learning
The agricultural education program provides a well-rounded, practical approach to learning through three components: Classroom education in agricultural topics such as plant and animal sciences, horticulture, forestry, agri-marketing, etc.; hands-on supervised agricultural career experience such as starting a business or working for an established company; and FFA, which provides leadership opportunities and tests students' agricultural skills.

Programs and Activities
FFA's local, state and national programs and activities help members develop public speaking skills, conduct and participate in meetings, manage financial matters, strengthen problem-solving abilities and assume civic responsibility. Degrees earned at local, state and national levels recognize members' increasing accomplishments. Competitive events and awards programs in areas such as public speaking, commodity marketing and agri-science recognize students' achievements, encourage them to excel beyond the classroom and develop career skills. Community service programs help students contribute to society.

Student Leadership
FFA members elect their own officers and plan and conduct activities with supervision from their chapter advisors. A team of six national officers, typically college students taking a year out of their studies, plays a key role in planning the national convention and other events, and travels more than 100,000 miles during their year of service representing the FFA.

FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation, Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, works with business and industry, organizations and individuals to raise funds to recognize FFA achievements and support activities at local, state and national levels. The foundation's address is 6060 FFA Drive, P.O. Box 68960, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960. Telephone: 317-802-6060. Fax: 317-802-6051.

Prepared and published by the National FFA Organization in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education as a service to state and local agricultural education agencies. The National FFA Organization affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.