(Lincoln, Neb.) – The Nebraska FFA Foundation is pleased to announce the inaugural “I Believe in the Future of Ag” campaign to raise funds to support FFA. 
      
       A challenge grant of $30,000 has been established by Central Valley Ag (CVA), Land O’Lakes and Monsanto. Producers in the CVA service area will be challenged to match that by making donations totaling $30,000 by March 20, National Agriculture Day. The goal is to raise $60,000 to support the Nebraska FFA Foundation and 39 local FFA chapters in the service area of CVA.
      
       “We feel like this is a win-win-win-win situation,” says Nebraska FFA Foundation Board President Keith Olsen of Grant.  “Producers know their donations are matched and chapters get funding needed to provide opportunities to kids.  These ag organizations know FFA will be there to ensure the next generation of agriculturalists and our foundation has the capacity to ensure long-term success and leadership. We are very excited about the possibilities for this campaign.”
      
       The Nebraska FFA Foundation recognized the need for an annual fundraising campaign after concerns last year about long-term funding from the Nebraska Department of Education to support statewide FFA leadership and programs. The Nebraska Legislature passed a measure in the spring of 2009 to annually fund a Student Leadership Center, but that center will support numerous student organizations and funding for the center cannot be guaranteed long-term, especially given the budget conditions the state will face in coming years.

       Half of all funds raised through the “I Believe in the Future of Ag” campaign will be used to support statewide programs, grow the capacity of FFA chapters – both current and potential new chapters – and ensure leadership for the organization into the future. The other half of the funds will support local FFA chapters with leadership programming, community service activities and other innovative projects that promote agriculture.

       Central Valley Ag volunteered to champion the pilot campaign and reached out to engage Land O’Lakes and Monsanto. Both organizations readily agreed to support the effort as they recognize the importance FFA plays in preparing young people for careers in the agricultural industry and recognize the impact the students will have on the future of rural communities.

       “We are proud to continue our long-standing FFA sponsorship and support Nebraska agriculture at the state and community level and we’re confident communities throughout the state will step up to meet this challenge,” said Trey Key, Monsanto area business manager.  “We strongly believe in FFA’s mission to develop students’ potential in leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.”

      The “I Believe in the Future of Ag” campaign will be launched February 22, 2010, in those communities served by Central Valley Ag.  To participate, contact your local CVA representative or your local FFA advisor.

       For more information on the overall campaign, contact Tammy Meyer, Nebraska FFA Foundation Executive Director, in Lincoln, at (402) 472-5224 or tammy@neffafoundation.org.

       The Nebraska FFA Foundation mission is to enhance quality agricultural education/FFA programs in order to achieve excellence in leadership development, curriculum innovation and scholastic advancement of students.

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