WASHINGTON – A bipartisan resolution introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) to establish February 17-24, 2024 as “National FFA Week” recently passed the U.S. Senate.

The resolution highlights the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders by providing educational and career opportunities to students. The resolution also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the “Give the Gift of Blue” program, which has donated more than 17,000 FFA blue jackets to members in need.

“Young leaders in the First State learn to meet agricultural challenges and develop leadership skills through programs offered by the Delaware FFA and the National FFA Organization, taught by our talented agricultural educators,” said Senator Coons. “Here in the Senate, I’m proud to join Senator Young to introduce a bipartisan resolution honoring this critical organization and its members who contribute so much to the fabric of our communities.”

“Throughout Hoosier communities and our country, 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 Senator Young. “I’m glad to lead this resolution establishing National FFA Week in support of the more than 13,000 FFA members in Indiana.”

“National FFA Week is a meaningful week for members across our country as we celebrate an organization that is welcoming to all and crucial to developing the next generation of leaders and those who will fill the ever-growing need in the talent pipeline,” said National FFA Advisor Travis Park. “Not only is it an opportunity to share our message with a broader audience, but it’s also an opportunity for our FFA chapters and members to celebrate agriculture and agricultural education while thanking their supporters – their local alumni and supporters chapters, agriculture teachers, or local businesses.”

In addition to Senators Coons and Young, Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) also cosponsored the resolution.

U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives that garnered 101 cosponsors.

“Our country needs a new generation of young farmers, ranchers, and producers ready to take the lead and cement the United States’ agricultural leadership,” said Representative Panetta. “This bipartisan resolution recognizes the vital contributions of the National FFA Organization in training leaders who are ready to bolster both American food security and innovation. I am proud to once again work with my FFA Caucus Co-Chair, Representative Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), to support the men and women who wear the blue jacket and are moving American agriculture forward.”

You can view the full text of the Senate resolution here.