The Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) and the National FFA Organization (FFA) have established a partnership to cooperate on agricultural education programs in the area of animal food production. Signed this week, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) will forge new initiatives to promote awareness of the agricultural industry, as well as the animal food industry. “FFA is truly a leader working with the next generation of employees and preparing them for careers in agriculture,” said Bruce Crutcher, chair of the IFEEDER Board of Trustees. “We are pleased to work with them to provide educational opportunities to their members on careers in the animal food industry.”

FFA and IFEEDER will collaborate on programs to extend the reach, access and efficiency of efforts to educate and inform young people about the animal food industry. IFEEDER will coordinate with FFA on existing and new cooperative curriculum as a resource to agricultural education instructors in the area of the animal food industry.

"As FFA continues to provide the world’s next generation of leaders, we believe this partnership is an ideal opportunity for our students to learn more about the animal feed industry,” said Mark Poeschl, CEO of the National FFA Organization. “We are honored to work with IFEEDER on these future endeavors.”

About IFEEDER

Founded in 2009 by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the Institute for Feed Education and Research is a 501 (c)(3) public charity and is a critical link in the ever-evolving food supply chain. Serving as a champion for the animal food industry, IFEEDER supports critical education and research initiatives that ensure consumers have access to a safe, healthy and sustainable food supply. IFEEDER focuses its work in two primary areas: funding critical animal feed and pet food research to support AFIA’s legislative and regulatory positions, and developing appropriate messaging for policymakers, consumer influencers and stakeholders which highlights the industry’s positive contributions to the availability of safe, wholesome and affordable food, and the preservation of our natural resources.

About National FFA Organization

The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of more than 700,000 student members as part of 8,600 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is 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. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Twitter and official news page of the National FFA Organization.

About National FFA Foundation

The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.