FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

COMMISSIONER FARMER APPLAUDS KENTUCKY FFA

FOR ROBUST GROWTH IN THE LAST 20 YEARS

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky FFA membership has grown by some 50 percent over the past 20 years and is approaching an all-time record, according to Matt Chaliff, executive secretary of the youth organization.

“I am thrilled that Kentucky FFA is enjoying such terrific success,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “FFA does an outstanding job of molding young people into disciplined, hard-working, responsible men and women. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has invested close to $200,000 in Kentucky FFA since I’ve been commissioner, and those investments are paying off.”

Kentucky FFA membership in 2006-07 was 14,865, placing the state organization 11th in the nation. The goal for the current school year is to top 15,000, Chaliff said. The organization hit a low of about 10,000 members in the late 1980s, he said.

The growth of FFA in Kentucky mirrors the national trend. Membership in FFA’s 7,358 chapters exceeded 500,000 this year, the highest number since 1978.

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. It is open to any student in grades 7-12 who is enrolled in an agriculture course in a public school.

The 80th National FFA Convention is Oct. 24-27 in Indianapolis.

--30--