The National  FFA Organization established the first-ever partnership with the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) and the Tribal Agriculture Fellowship (TAF) dedicated to supporting Native American students pursuing agricultural careers. Agricultural education plays a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders for the robust world of agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources systems. 

A school-based youth leadership development organization, FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. FFA has more than 14,000 American Indian and Alaska Native members, and more than 2,400 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander members. 

NAAF is the largest philanthropic organization dedicated to increasing access to capital for Native American producers and advancing agriculture in Indian Country through grants to more than 350 eligible organizations for business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services.  

The Tribal Agriculture Fellowship Program is a first-of-its-kind nonprofit institution with the mission of creating opportunities for students pursuing education with the purpose of preserving and promoting the legacy of agriculture in Tribal communities. This fellowship program provides an incredible opportunity for professional development to aid Native students in achieving their educational goals.  

“NAAF is observing a significant increase in the enthusiasm of Native youth to further their knowledge and practical experience in agriculture. Regardless of the specific agricultural pursuits that Native students wish to embark upon, our commitment is to furnish them with a comprehensive array of accessible resources, ensuring their path to success. The FFA, renowned for generations as a pinnacle institution that champions education as a cornerstone of agricultural leadership, stands as a valued partner in this endeavor. In collaboration with TAF, an organization singularly devoted to expanding educational opportunities for Native students, our affiliation with the FFA represents a pivotal opportunity. This partnership is aimed at nurturing a cadre of Native agriculture professionals, well-equipped to confront the unique challenges prevalent in Indian Country. This MOU is monumental, as FFA continues to advance diversity and inclusion in their organization, we look forward to working alongside them and TAF to encourage premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agriculture education,” said Toni Stanger-McLaughlin, CEO of NAAF. 

“One of our goals at the National FFA Organization is to partner with like-minded organizations to expand our collective impact on agriculture, food and natural resources, especially with underrepresented and marginalized populations,” said Scott Stump, CEO of the National FFA Organization. “This partnership with NAAF and TAF will be a catalyst for advancing our shared goals.”   

“We are incredibly excited and looking forward to formally establishing this partnership between TAF, NAAF, and FFA. The Tribal Agriculture Fellowship aims to continuously provide an Indigenous perspective regarding the involvement of Native youth in agriculture,” said Nicole DeVon, Executive Director of TAF.