BASF SE, the largest chemical producer in the world, based in Germany, will reportedly serve as a Silver sponsor for FFA in 2017, thereby strengthening the 60-year-old partnership of BASF with the National FFA Organization.

BASF has been working with the National FFA Organization for more than six decades regarding agricultural education and the future of farming. The company has been providing donations and opportunities to the members of the FFA to build communities, strengthen the base of agriculture, and become established world leaders in their own right. Working as a Silver sponsor for FFA, BASF is likely to increase the number of sponsorships for FFA. As of now, it has been reported that BASF funds delegate programs, Teach Ag program, state officer programs, and grain production placement proficiency programs. 

BASF officials state that preparing the youth for their future responsibilities and making students and teachers understand the curriculum design and its relevance with the agricultural sector is a part of their responsibility. The BASF team also intends to continue financing FFA to help students better understand what skills and expertise they need for their careers and how best it can be achieved in the current industry scenario. 

For the uninitiated, the National FFA Organization is an American 501 youth organization established in the year 1925, specializing in technical growth and career counseling. Involving students from the middle and high schools, FFA aims to support and promote agricultural education, make the youth understand the agricultural discipline and the future of farming, and provide them opportunities for personal growth, career training, and leadership.

Reliable statistics state that the National FFA Organization provides career training and growth opportunities to more than 640,000 students (who are members of the FFA) belonging to any of the 7,859 local FFA chapters in 52 State Associations across the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. In addition, the organization is financially supported by more than 225,000 alumni members from the 1,934 alumni chapter across the country.

BASF’s collaboration with FFA has frequently brought out the best results. Recently, the firm awarded scholarships to 12 agricultural students, all of whom were members of the FFA. Last year, the North Carolina FFA Association awarded three members of the Midway FFA Chapter with the first place in Agriscience Fair Projects at the 88th North Carolina FFA State Convention. These awards were funded by the BASF as well.

FFA officials have expressed their gratitude and appreciation to BASF for their immense financial support and contribution, in addition to enunciating that the goals and mission of BASF is in tandem with the FFA, as far as the growth and development of the agricultural sector is concerned. BASF’s decision to become a Silver sponsor has only served to intensify the alliance between the two organizations.

In addition to contributing significantly toward the growth of agriculture market worldwide, BASF has also established its footprint in the renewable energy sector. The company has been deploying sustainable energy sources for its operations and has outlined several strategies and programs pertaining to sustainable energy. 

Recognizing the firm’s contribution and achievement, BASF was recently labelled the FCA US LLC Sustainability Supplier of the Year, for the second time. FCA’s leaders have also credited BASF regarding their earnestness to share their insights and knowledge regarding their sustainability programs with other organizations.