The California State FFA celebrated the almond community’s commitment to the future of farming through the funding of scholarships that enable students to pursue a degree in agriculture studies. Almond Board Manager of Industry Relations Jenny Nicolau tells us more.
Since 2011, Almond Board of California, and specifically the Almond Leadership Program, has played an instrumental role in supporting the California FFA by raising $27,000 in 2016, and a total of $47,000 to date.
“The California FFA has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years. The Almond Board of California, and Almond Leadership Program’s initiative, vision, and support will have a lasting, and meaningful on the 86,000 members of the California FFA,” said Katie Otto, CA FFA Fund Development Director.
Five years ago, Almond Board of California began raising funds for the California FFA Foundation to help ensure scholarships were available for graduating seniors who were pursuing agriculture as their college major. Between 2011 and 2015, nearly $20,000 was raised through the silent auction as part of The Almond Conference. In 2016, the Almond Leadership Program participants were challenged to raise $15,000. This group of enthusiastic, talented and connected individuals formed three committees, comprised of 1) online donations, 2) silent auction and 3) a live auction to achieve this goal. With the help of nearly 50 companies and individuals who donated items and made online bids, more than $27,000 was raised.