New York FFA is for…

all New York students in all New York schools.

    We believe in young people and appreciate the perspective every background, identity and story brings to FFA and our mission. We value members and volunteers of all abilities and disabilities, home and community experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, religious affiliations and citizenship status.  FFA does not tolerate either harassment or discrimination of any kind. FFA is committed to providing experiences that are supportive, welcoming, inclusive and growth focused. We believe in the potential of every individual and are committed to facilitating transformational  conversations, experiences and programs.
    In small and large schools, in rural and urban communities, in programs that have existed for nearly 100 years and those that are just beginning, we make strategic investments to equitably support local program success.

the future of agriculture – including the future of food and natural resources…

    The complete picture of agriculture today includes farmers, scientists, veterinarians, consultants, retailers, transporters, processors, policy-makers, consumers, citizens and more.  As our world becomes more interconnected and nuanced, fewer individuals may own or work on farms.  Still, nearly 20% of people contribute to abundant and accessible food supplies; sustainable practices and conservation policies; and the ethical treatment of people, animals and land through their careers. Agricultural education continues to become more meaningful and more relevant as our communities evolve. New York FFA is an organization aspiring to prepare young people for careers and lifetimes of empowered choices as consumers and citizens.  
    Through conferences, competitions and awards programs, New York FFA aspires to introduce students of all backgrounds to the relevant careers and issues that will impact their future.  By developing interest and skills, we serve as a committed piece of the talent pipeline for careers in agriculture, food science, natural resources management, power, structural and technical systems and more.  These careers are essential to New York’s economy and the well-being of all New Yorkers and we are invested in doing our part to sustain a thriving industry where all perspectives and experiences contribute to an even stronger future.

leaders, today and tomorrow…

    Now and in the future, we need members of our communities and workforce that can confidently and compassionately lead themselves and the people around them. New York students experience leadership continuums that focus on leading ourselves in our personal choices, leading ourselves into rewarding and intentional careers, leading others toward mutually beneficial results, and leading our industry and organization through challenges and into the future.  
    New York FFA grows students into leaders to empower them to create fulfilling personal futures. Students grow as public speakers, run committees and meetings, participate in team challenges to navigate differences and solve problems collaboratively; develop growth mindsets and personal understanding of their talents, passions and ambitions, and more.  Students build relationships and expand their personal network. Through community and character development, students make a difference in their homes and communities. In FFA, leadership is intrinsically linked to service.  Today and tomorrow, FFA members are leaders in personal and professional settings.

More about us:

FFA Chapters begin in school-based agricultural education programs that serve middle and high school students. These programs exist in large and small schools, and from the heart of New York City to the valleys of central New York. Led by agriculture teachers, these programs offer courses of study that bring Career and Technical and academic concepts to life as they are applied within the robust framework of the food and fiber systems. Courses provide exploration and development within agriculture, food and natural resources concepts that prepare students for careers and to be powerful citizens and consumers. FFA opens the walls of the agriculture classroom to the world through competitions, events, networking, recognition and community.

In New York State, FFA chapters, teachers and students (and all school-based agricultural education programs) receive key support and oversight from state staff that work as part of the New York Agricultural Education Outreach project. New York Agricultural Outreach Education works in partnership with Cornell University in the College of Ag and Life Sciences and the New York State Education Department.

FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways.

So today, we are still the Future Farmers of America. But, we are the Future Biologists, Future Chemists, Future Veterinarians, Future Engineers and Future Entrepreneurs of America, too.

BRIEF HISTORY

FFA began nationally in 1928, when the Future Farmers of America brought together students, teachers and agribusiness to solidify support for agricultural education. While the national organization began in Kansas City’s Baltimore Hotel when 33 young farmboys charted a course for the future, here in New York, we trace our origins even earlier. New York students and teachers have been gathering since at least 1926 when New York’s young farmers came together to establish an organization to secure the future of New York State’s farms and farmers.

The history of our organization includes continuing the legacy of students nearly a century ago while navigating communities and careers that are continually evolving. Our founding members created a mission to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population, but even they could not have anticipated just how the organization would grow and thrive. Our first members and the generations that have followed have taught us that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting– it’s a science, it’s a business and it’s an art.

Established as the Future Farmers of America, FFA has officially broadened his name to the National FFA Organization to make room for the transitions that agriculture will continue to undertake as our world and our challenges grow. We are still the Future Farmers - but we are the Future Biologists, Future Chemists, Future Veterinarians, Future Engineers, and Future Entrepreneurs, too.

Start a program

Agricultural Education New Program Guide to provide a suggested process to follow.  Many schools across the state have found this document helpful and are able to use the different steps in the order that works for their school and community to establish an agricultural education program.