> News Release

American Farm Bureau Federation and Agriculture Future of America Partner to Develop Agriculturalists Through Collaborative Initiative

Kelsea Forward

Communications Assistant

Mark Stewart, AFA President and CEO; AFBF President Zippy Duvall

photo credit: AFBF Photo, Michael LoBiondo

In combined commitment to strengthening the agriculture industry through leader development, American Farm Bureau Federation and Agriculture Future of America signed a Memorandum of Understanding today, January 8, 2023.

The agreement launches a collaborative effort between AFBF and AFA to drive engagement among their constituents and further the missions of both organizations. Zippy Duvall, AFBF President, and Mark Stewart, AFA President and CEO, met at the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to inaugurate the partnership and sign the MOU.

“We are excited to join with AFA and share Farm Bureau’s resources and programs with college students and young professionals who are the next generation of leaders in agriculture,” says Duvall. “The collaboration we’re announcing today will benefit both of our organizations and help ensure a bright future for American agriculture.”

The MOU heightens AFBF and AFA efforts in building leaders for the agriculture industry through cross-promotional efforts of organizational objectives and events. AFBF and AFA will jointly support opportunities available through each organization, compelling AFBF and AFA audiences to interact and gain value through each organization’s offerings.

“American Farm Bureau Federation and AFA sit at a unique crossroads of mutual investment in building leaders to strengthen the future of our industry,” says Stewart. “AFA is grateful and eager to work alongside AFBF to promote the outstanding work of both organizations, and contribute to a better, brighter industry.”

About American Farm Bureau Federation

The American Farm Bureau Federation is the Voice of Agriculture. We are farm and ranch families working together to build a sustainable future of safe and abundant food, fiber and renewable fuel for our nation and the world. AFBF engages with future agriculturalists primarily through its Young Farmers & Ranchers program, which provides opportunities for individuals ages 18-35 to grow and develop in the areas of public speaking, issue advocacy, business development, networking, service leadership and more.

About Agriculture Future of America

AFA builds bridges for young leaders to foster engagement and innovation in food and agriculture through premier leader and career development experiences. With program participation increasing 28% in the last five years, AFA has provided 24,000 leader development experiences to college leaders and young professionals from more than 200 colleges and universities throughout 43 states since its inception in 1996. AFA has awarded more than $11 million in academic and leader development scholarships. For more information about AFA, visit agfuture.org.

Press Contact

Mike Tomko
Director, Communications
(202) 406-3642
miket@fb.org

Bailey Corwine
Media Relations Specialist
(202) 406-3643
baileyc@fb.org