Friday, September 18, 2015

FMC SPONSORS FFA AWARD

FMC Corporation, which operates the Agricultural Solutions plant in Middleport, has announced a greater commitment to farming’s future by becoming the sole sponsor of the National FFA Agriscience Research – Plant Systems Proficiency Awards for 2015.

This announcement follows up on FMC’s local commitment last year of a $4,500 grant to help start-up a local Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter for the Royalton-Hartland Schools. That local grant was one of three made nationwide to FFA chapters in each of the company’s Agricultural Solutions plant communities as a demonstration of FMC’s commitment to investing in farming’s future by supporting youth agricultural education.

The National FFA Agriscience Research – Plant Systems Proficiency Awards are available for participation to all 7,665 local FFA chapters, including Roy-Hart and others in Western New York.

The awards support student research in the life cycles, classifications, functions and practices of plant systems related to crops, turf grass, trees and shrubs, and/or ornamental plants. The recognition includes independent studies as well as those students who may be cooperating on projects with others.

"We continue to look for ways to encourage students, our future crop growers, now. Our expanded partnership with the National FFA Organization is one way we can spark their inquiring minds and encourage additional innovation," said John Kasper, FMC Agricultural Solutions North America commercial business director.

Students must participate in a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in order to qualify for proficiency award entry. The SAE program allows agricultural students to gain valuable experience through participation in career and leadership skill-building activities. “It's never too early to begin thinking about your experience selection and prepare for the award process," continued Kasper. SAE programs also involve planning and conducting scientific investigations and use the scientific method.

Awards are made available to every FFA chapter across the country. Nationally, students are recognized with the FFA Agriscience Plant Systems Research Proficiency Award, which is sponsored by FMC. Chapter level awardees receive medals and certificates of recognition. Each state winner receives similar acknowledgement and a $250 cash award. Four national finalists each will receive a $500 cash award, and the national winner receives the top award of $1,000.

FMC representatives will participate in judging this year's national finalist entries and present the awards during the National FFA Convention on October 28-31 in Louisville, Ky. For more information on FMC crop protection products, please visit www.FMCcrop.com. Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FMCcrop.