Bill > SR18

This resolution designates March 3, 2025, as Future Farmers of America (FFA) Day at the Legislature, highlighting the organization's rich history and significance. The resolution provides historical context, noting that FFA originated from the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917, which supported agricultural education, and was formally established in 1928 with 33 delegates from 18 states. The organization has since grown to include over 1 million members nationwide, with chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The resolution emphasizes FFA's important role in providing students with agricultural education, leadership skills, and real-world learning opportunities, including its historical milestones such as merging with the New Farmers of America in 1965 and allowing female membership in 1969. Specifically for West Virginia, the resolution notes that the state has 91 agricultural education programs serving 6,968 members. The resolution also instructs the Clerk to forward a copy of the resolution to the West Virginia Farm Bureau organization, formally recognizing the FFA's contributions to agricultural education and youth development.