COLUMBIA — Agriculture is important for the South Carolina economy and the state’s youth are stepping up to let their voices be heard as advocates for this industry.
More than 1,000 members of the South Carolina FFA Association gathered at South Carolina Capitol Feb. 20 for the annual Legislator Appreciation Day. The members met with state legislators to thank them for their support and discuss the future of agriculture and education in the state. The event was held in conjunction with National FFA Week, Feb. 16-23. The National FFA is the youth organization formerly known as Future Farmers of America.
“We are gathered here not only to celebrate FFA Week, but to celebrate our legislators who support FFA and agricultural education,” said Erica Wearing, state FFA president and a member of the Seneca FFA chapter. “We also celebrate this common love of agriculture that has been instilled in each of us wearing these blue jackets. The path we are paving for American agriculture is ensuring that future generations will have enough food to eat and clothes to wear.”
State Rep. Daniel Hiott (R-Pickens) said he too was encouraged by the FFA members’ attendance at the State Capitol.
“Too often, we read and hear about negative actions involving our youth,” Hiott said. “But when I look out and see you, I’m encouraged. I know our future is in good hands.”
Hiott presented the National FFA Week Proclamation during a recognition ceremony.
State Sen. Daniel Verdin (R-Laurens) said FFA is one of the “best organizations” youth can belong to.
“As a young person, you are on the cusp of life,” Verdin said. “As a member of FFA, you are in the greatest preparatory role of any young person here in South Carolina. What you are learning now will benefit you later in life. Remember everything you can about events such as this so that you can use your experiences to help you throughout your lifetime.”
Senator Verdin presented the official FFA Week Resolution to the SC FFA Organization.
The event also included the awarding of Honorary State FFA degrees to three people. This degree is reserved for those individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty to promote and support the mission of the FFA at the local, state and national levels. This prestigious award is considered to be among the top agricultural awards available in America. Receiving honorary degrees were Stanley Rawl, past president of the S.C. Farmer & Agribusiness Association, Lance Tully, Natural Resource Manager at Nestle Waters and Heather Matthews, Director of NP Strategy.
The American Degree is the highest and most prestigious award presented to a select number of outstanding FFA members throughout the nation. Twenty-two South Carolina FFA members were among those chosen to receive this award but all could not attend the National
Convention this fall to receive it. Will Lever, from the Newberry County Career Center FFA Chapter received his American Degree during the ceremony from Jordan Stowe, Southern Region National FFA vice president.