|
|
|
|
|
The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the Agriculture Department has announced more than $400,000 in funding of projects under the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program.
FAS said the funding will help U.S. exporters address sanitary, phyto-sanitary or other technical barriers that prohibit or threaten exports of U.S. specialty crops.
The concept for the program is to help open, retain and expand markets for U.S. fruits, vegetables, nuts and other horticultural products.
Additional project funding is possible during 2005.
The Texas FFA Foundation raised $4.2 million toward its Capital Campaign goal, exceeding the initial $3.5 million three-year Victory Goal. The announcement was made at the 77th annual Texas FFA Convention in Lubbock.
Paul Jordan, chairman of the FFA Foundation board of directors, announced the milestone.
"Not only has the Foundation met its initial goal, but exceeded it by nearly $1 million. The Foundation is now only $10.8 million away from reaching the $15 million Challenge Goal which would permanently endow Texas FFA programming," Jordan said. "This effort secures a sound financial future for young people who actively participate from the local level through the state level."
To assist in reaching the Challenge Goal, the Foundation introduced the Texas FFA Wristband, available for $2. The blue rubber wristbands are engraved with the words "Texas FFA" so all FFA members and supporters can show their support to the organization.
"Every little bit counts," said Aaron Alejandro, executive director of the Foundation. "Every member and supporter of FFA can be an investor in the future of the Texas chapter."
The Texas FFA Foundation Capital Campaign kicked off in 2002, with the ultimate goal to permanently endow Texas FFA and its programming. To lead the campaign, a "Capital Cabinet" was formed to assist the Foundation in cultivating relationships with people who believe in the youth programs of Texas FFA.
Ford Motor Company/Texas Ford Dealers launched the Campaign with an initial investment of $1.3 million. Others soon followed and the Foundation now counts many corporate partners.
"Success begets success," Alejandro said. "As soon as Ford joined, Justin Boots joined. Next came La Quinta. It's a cycle of success."
Additional information about the Texas FFA Association, the Texas FFA Foundation and our corporate partnerships can be found at www.texasffafoundation.org.
"Farm Bureau is urging the full Senate and House to pass the compromise legislation so that President Bush may sign it into law.
"Enacting the legislation will start reducing the nation's dependence on foreign oil. Farmers and ranchers will increase their use of renewable fuels, mainly biodiesel and ethanol, and farmers will also play a big part in producing these fuels from such crops as soybeans and corn. As an economic force and agricultural world leader, the United States should be number one in production and use of renewable fuels."
Texas Farm Bureau members had an opportunity to participate in a 2007 Farm Bill study committee listening session recently at the Summer Commodity Conference at Horseshoe Bay. Above, Falls County Farm Bureau leader Robert Fleming addresses the committee with his concerns. The committee is comprised of TFB county Farm Bureau leaders, and is chaired by TFB State Director Bobby Nedbalek.
Statement by American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman regarding the energy bill conference report released July 23.
