Republican lawmakers are also demanding the National FFA Organization explain its decades-long ties to agribusiness giant Syngenta

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Federal lawmakers are demanding answers from the National FFA Organization about its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and its partnership with the agribusiness giant, Syngenta Group.

The inquiry is being led by the Republican House Ways and Means Committee and the Congressional FFA Caucus, which say the organization’s relationship with the Syngenta Group raises concerns about foreign influence and whether FFA is operating in line with its stated mission as a tax-exempt nonprofit.

In a Feb. 3 letter to Scott Stump, CEO of the National FFA organization, House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith and FFA Caucus co-chair Tracey Mann, (both former FFA members) demanded documents related to an FFA DEI policy and Syngenta’s role in shaping internal policies, and the organization’s compliance with federal tax law.

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Syngenta has had a 40-year-long relationship with the National FFA. In 2022, Syngenta and the National FFA launched a partnership that includes a scholarship program, community giving and Syngenta support of agricultural education.

Earlier that year, the organizations announced a partnership to develop and implement a diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, strategy for the FFA.

Smith and Mann zero in on what they claim is the organization “prioritizing woke policies.” The lawmakers said the National FFA’s DEI focus distracts from its ag education mission and divides students by race or gender.

They warn advocacy through DEI and corporate partnerships could jeopardize the organization’s tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and have requested the FFA provide documentation by Tuesday, February 17 about the DEI strategy documents created.

In a statement, the National FFA Organization told Brownfield Ag News while the FFA accepts support from generous donors and sponsors in agriculture, it does not and cannot advocate the views for any donor or sponsor.   FFA says it has received a Congressional inquiry about one of its sponsors, and the organization intends to cooperate fully.