Ford and farming go together like soil and seed. Henry Ford was a farm boy, who grew up to put the world on wheels and farmers on horseless tractors. Ford Motor Company no longer makes tractors, but the company still plays a significant role in American farming with Ford's top-selling trucks, grants that promote agriculture and a long relationship with the National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America).
The National FFA has recognized Ford with its 2010 Distinguished Service Citation for the company's strong support of FFA and agricultural education during a partnership stretching back 62 years. Since 1997, Ford has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships to FFA members.
“Ford Motor Company has truly gone above and beyond for the FFA and for the farm community for more the six decades,” said Glenn Sims, senior regional director, National FFA Foundation. “The 2010 Distinguished Service Citation recognizes Ford’s many significant contributions to the FFA.”
A new element of the partnership involves the expansion of Ford’s award-winning teen safe driving program – Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) – through the FFA National Chapter Program. Ford DSFL is a national safe driving program that focuses on the leading cause of teenage crashes and fatalities: inexperience. FFA chapters are invited to use the Ford DSFL program to help educate teens on safe driving in their communities.
Ford Motor Company Fund also has awarded $50,000 Ford College Community Challenge Grants to two universities for research and implementation of pilot projects extending the use of alternative fuel technology in small farm operations. Kettering University and the Harvesting Earth Educational Farm will research and implement practical and cost effective renewable energy resources to extend the growing season for a community greenhouse where local, underprivileged residents learn horticulture skills. A grant to Florida A&M University will research renewable biofuels production and use on small farms through its StateWide® Small Farm Collaborative.
