Monsanto to provide more than $1 million to support FFA in 2011

One of the world’s largest agricultural corporations will sponsor 14 high-profile National FFA Organization programs in 2011 designed to develop the leadership, agriscience and teamwork skills of FFA members throughout the country.

St. Louis-based Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) will provide more than $1 million in sponsorships of National FFA Organization programs, awards, events, student scholarships and more this year. Monsanto’s support will help finance the National FFA Organization’s Washington Leadership Conference, National Leadership Conference for State Officers, Agriscience Student of the Year program and 11 other national initiatives.

The annual Washington Leadership Conference, held during the summer, is a five-day event in Washington, D.C., that teaches FFA members throughout the country how to become effective leaders. The three-day National Leadership Conference for State Officers, offered throughout the summer in various states, teaches FFA officer teams from throughout the nation advanced interpersonal communication strategies and presentation delivery techniques. The Agriscience Student of the Year program recognizes high school students who discover creative solutions through research and theories to challenges within the agriculture industry; the winner will be named at the annual national FFA convention in October.

The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that fund FFA activities, recognize member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agriculture education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees comprised of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA alumni, the foundation is a separately-registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of all sponsorship dollars received by the foundation support FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit the National FFA Foundation at http://www.ffa.org/donate.