The National FFA Organization said it will cooperate with a congressional inquiry examining one of its corporate sponsors, while emphasizing its nonpartisan mission and independence from donor influence. The youth agricultural education group released the following statement exclusively to the NAFB News Service:
The National FFA Organization is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that serves to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. While FFA accepts support from generous donors and sponsors throughout the agricultural and agri-business community, it does not and cannot advocate the views for any donor or sponsor. FFA has received a Congressional inquiry about one of our sponsors, and it intends to cooperate fully.
At question is FFA’s alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party through a partnership with Chinese-owned Syngenta Group. FFA declined to provide additional details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. The inquiry comes amid heightened scrutiny from some members of Congress over partnerships between U.S.-based nonprofits and companies with foreign ownership ties.
