By Emma Longwell, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
Agriculture is a cornerstone of the American economy, employing more than 22 million people nationwide according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Yet the future of the industry depends on the next generation of skilled professionals.
It's why the Future Farmers of America program is so important.
Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson officially proclaimed February 15th–22nd, as Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week in Apopka. The announcement came during the February 19th City Council meeting, honoring the contributions of FFA members in shaping the future of agriculture, education, and leadership.
The ceremony, held at City Hall, was attended by local students, educators, and city officials, gathered to celebrate the achievements of FFA chapters from across the community. Among the honored guests was Hayden Scalise, President of the Wekiva High School FFA Chapter, who took the podium to highlight the importance of National FFA Week and the organization’s impact on young agriculturalists.
“For those who do not know, FFA is a national organization focused on providing an agricultural education to students between the sixth and twelfth grades,” Scalise explained. “This topic includes everything from livestock animals to plants and overall employment and business skills to help prepare you for a career in the future.”
Scalise emphasized that National FFA Week serves as a platform for agricultural advocacy, bringing attention to the importance of policies that promote sustainability and support for the next generation of farmers and agricultural professionals. He also noted the significant fundraising efforts associated with the week, recalling that last year’s National FFA Day alone raised nearly $1.5 million to support students.
“This money fundraised is then used to help fund grants that allow students to get started on their supervised agricultural education projects, the Gift of Blue, which helps tens of thousands of in need FFA members receive their jacket for free,” Scalise proclaimed. “I’d like to thank the City of Apopka for affirming a week that is so important and critical to our organization.”
The ceremony also welcomed Commissioner Alexander Smith, a longtime advocate for agricultural education, who shared his personal connection to FFA.
“After being agricultural advisor in FFA for 40 years . . . it was just a couple years ago that I wore one of those . . . jackets,” Smith stated. “I am proud to see that the FFA is still going strong and we’re glad to have you with us tonight.”
Smith now continues his work in agriculture through a nonprofit organization, “Two Peas in a Pod”, which he co-founded with his colleague John Koren (double check spelling). The initiative provides hands-on agricultural experiences for elementary, high school, and senior students, keeping them engaged in the world of farming, sustainability, and food production.
Following the speeches, students from local FFA chapters were called forward in alphabetical order to be recognized and photographed. Schools represented at the event included: Apopka High School, Apopka Memorial Middle School, Piedmont Lakes Middle School, Wolf Lake Middle School, and Wekiva High School.
Each group of students proudly wore their FFA jackets, symbolizing their dedication to leadership, education, and service in the agricultural field.
Nelson closed the ceremony by applauding the hard work of FFA members and reaffirming the city’s support for agricultural education.
“FFA promotes . . . leadership, personal growth, and career success among its members,” reaffirmed Mayor Bryan Nelson.
With the city’s recognition and continued support, Apopka’s FFA members are not just learning about agriculture; they are preparing to lead it into a brighter, more sustainable future. More specifically with this proclamation, Apopka joins communities across the country in celebrating National FFA Week, ensuring that the legacy of agriculture remains strong for years to come.
