When AgReliant Genetics was founded two decades ago, no one could have predicted what 2020 would bring. As the company celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, the focus has been on helping to lift the agriculture community. Part of this effort has been extra donations to agriculture education, including $10,000 to the FFA COVID-19 Chapter Assistance Program.
“We know rural communities are struggling and supporting FFA members through their local chapters is a tangible way to get resources where they are needed,” said Paul Nselel, president and CEO, AgReliant Genetics. “Student leaders must navigate remote learning and personal challenges yet are working hard to identify projects that can make a difference in their local area during these tough times, and we are proud to support them.”
More than 700 FFA chapters across the United States applied for the grant program, which provides $2,000 supplemental relief to help chapters recover a portion of the fundraiser dollars lost due to the pandemic as well as navigate the impact in their communities.
The donation, awarded to chapters in Michigan, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, and Indiana, was used to help with priorities such as leadership and professional development, scholarships, purchase of classroom equipment and to support projects and curriculum designed to have a positive impact on FFA members and the communities in which they serve.
“We are so grateful for support for the FFA COVID-19 Chapter Assistance Program from partners such as AgReliant Genetics,” said National FFA Foundation President and National FFA Organization Chief Marketing Officer Molly Ball. “With the help of this financial assistance in these uncertain times, local FFA chapters are able to continue to make a positive difference in the lives of students through agricultural education.”
