News

EPA and FFA team up to expand environmental education

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National FFA Organization have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand environmental education programs.

Riley Pagett, the director of advocacy and government relations with National FFA, says the MOU builds on the work that the FFA and EPA are already doing.

“This is a 10-year agreement that allows for the coordination of FFA and EPA on a state and regional basis and allows us to better recognize students,” he says. “It also allows the FFA to provide feedback relative to the implementation to some of these programs and resources.”

He tells Brownfield FFA members and agricultural students will have more opportunities in environmental education.

“This really opens up a door and creates a way for us to foster communications between the agricultural education community, the FFA community, and folks who work at EPA and in the environment every single day,” he says.

Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler says the MOU highlights the importance of agricultural practices in promoting environmental stewardship.

The EPA will coordinate intern opportunities with the FFA, enhance collaboration with regional FFA leaders, and more.  FFA will work with the EPA to prepare students for careers in environmental fields, provide feedback on federal programs, and work with the EPA to provide opportunities with regional officials.

Audio: Riley Pagett, National FFA Organization