DuPont Pioneer recently presented a $10,000 Community Betterment grant to the Ohio FFA Foundation and the state officer team for leadership development activities.  The grant will support leadership training for the Ohio FFA state officers in three programs – Blast-Off, the national leadership conference and state leadership training.

“As members of the agricultural community, DuPont Pioneer is committed to the youth of Ohio and the vital impact they will have on our industry’s future,” said Melissa Bell, executive director of the Ohio FFA Association. “DuPont Pioneer believes in FFA, agricultural education and the students enrolled in the program. This support will ensure we are able to fulfill our mission of premier leadership, personal growth and career development.”

Founded in 1928, the FFA organization represents over 300 careers in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. In Ohio there are nearly 24,000 active participants in agricultural education and the FFA. Over 600 professional teachers, teacher trainers and state leaders are committed to agricultural education and the FFA programs in Ohio.

“It is a pleasure to offer financial support to the Ohio FFA Foundation,” said John Schartman, DuPont Pioneer marketing manager for the Northeast Business Unit. “The state officer team is a highly talented group of individuals that have been given a special opportunity to enhance their skill-sets.  My wish is they maximize this personal growth opportunity and stay safe throughout the experience.”

As the philanthropic arm of DuPont Pioneer, the DuPont Pioneer Giving Program makes contributions to community-based organizations on behalf of the business and employees. Consideration for Community Betterment grants are given to communities where DuPont Pioneer representatives, employees and customers live and work and that support quality-of-life initiatives to create an improved, sustainable lifestyle for people worldwide.