Governor Perdue Accepts Honorary FFA Degree

ATLANTA, GA — Governor Sonny Perdue today received the Honorary FFA Degree, which recognizes his significant contributions to agriculture. Representatives of Future Farmers of America presented the prestigious award to the Governor at the Mansion.

"Future Farmer's of America is the nation's premier organization for young people interested in agriculture, and I am deeply honored to receive the Honorary FFA Degree," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "Growing up on a farm, my father taught me the value of the land and the principles of a strong work ethic. I am committed to the agriculture community, as I know the more you give to the land, the more it gives back."

The national FFA organization has more than 475,000 members, and the Georgia FFA association is comprised of more than 24,000 members. The Georgia FFA recently received top awards in several categories at the National FFA Convention, including the national winner in the Creed Speaking Career Development Event (Elizabeth Mulkey of Bainbridge, GA), AgriScience Student of the Year (Paul Ruddle, II, of Valdosta, GA), eight individual proficiency national winners, and the elevation of 31 members to the organization's top degree.

"Your leadership and vision has been an integral part of our agricultural education success," said Rachael McCall, national FFA vice president from the Southern Region. "Your continued support of the FFA and agricultural education means that students receive the opportunity to grow in our nation’s largest industry."