§ 70902. Purposes

Statutory text

The purposes of the FFA are—

to be an integral component of instruction in agricultural education, including instruction relating to agriculture, food, and natural resources;

to advance comprehensive agricultural education in the United States, including in public schools, by supporting contextual classroom and laboratory instruction and work-based experiential learning;

to prepare students for successful entry into productive careers in fields relating to agriculture, food, and natural resources, including by connecting students to relevant postsecondary educational pathways and focusing on the complete delivery of classroom and laboratory instruction, work-based experiential learning, and leadership development;

to be a resource and support organization that does not select, control, or supervise State association, local chapter, or individual member activities;

to develop educational materials, programs, services, and events as a service to State and local agricultural education agencies;

to seek and promote inclusion and diversity in its membership, leadership, and staff to reflect the belief of the FFA in the value of all human beings;

to create, foster, and assist subsidiary chapters) 1 and associations of those chapters in the States, territories, and possessions of the United States as such chapters and associations carry out agricultural education programs that are approved by States, territories, or possessions;

to build character,¹ and develop competent and assertive agricultural leadership;

to increase awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture, food, and natural resources, and the way agriculture contributes to our well-being;

to promote the intelligent choice and establishment of a career in fields relating to agriculture, food, and natural resources;

to make available to State associations, local chapters, and members all official supplies, programs, services, and equipment of the FFA;

to cooperate with others, including State boards and officials for career and technical education, in accomplishing these purposes; and

to engage in other activities, consistent with these purposes, determined by the governing body to be for the best interests of the FFA.

Footnotes

1 So in original.

Legislative history

Reconstructed from this section’s Code source credit and amendment notes, resolved against the local Statutes at Large. Editorial notes are evidence, not the law that made the change.

1998
Pub. L. 105–225 · 112 Stat. 1253
Enacted · 36 U.S.C. § 70902
Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1356
Source evidence
Code source credit
Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1356
2019
National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Act
Pub. L. 116–7 § 3(1) · 133 Stat. 478
Substituted · 36 U.S.C. § 70902
Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(1), substituted “FFA” for “corporation” in introductory provisions
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(1), substituted “FFA” for “corporation” in introductory provisions.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “corporation” and inserting “FFA”;
2019
National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Act
Pub. L. 116–7 § 3(6) · 133 Stat. 478
Redesignated · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(1); 36 U.S.C. § 70902(2)
Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(6), added pars. (1) and (2). Former pars. (1) and (2) redesignated (7) and (8), respectively
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pars. (1), (2). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(6), added pars. (1) and (2). Former pars. (1) and (2) redesignated (7) and (8), respectively.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(6) by inserting before paragraph (7), as redesignated by paragraph (2), the following: “(1) to be an integral component of instruction in agricultural education, including instruction relating to agriculture, food, and natural resources; “(2) to advance comprehensive agricultural education in the United States, including in public schools, by supporting contextual classroom and laboratory instruction and work-based experiential learning; “(3) to prepare students for successful entry into productive careers in fields relating to agriculture, food, and natural resources, including by connecting students to relevant postsecondary educational pathways and focusing on the complete delivery of classroom and laboratory instruction, work-based experiential learning, and leadership development; “(4) to be a resource and support organization that does not select, control, or supervise State association, local chapter, or individual member activities; “(5) to develop educational materials, programs, services, and events as a service to State and local agricultural education agencies; “(6) to seek and promote inclusion and diversity in its membership, leadership, and staff to reflect the belief of the FFA in the value of all human beings;” ;
2019
National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Act
Pub. L. 116–7 § 3(3) · 133 Stat. 478
1. Added · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(3); 36 U.S.C. § 70902(4)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(3), (6), added pars. (3) and (4)
2. Struck · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(3); 36 U.S.C. § 70902(4)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(3), (6), struck out former pars. (3) and (4) which read as follows:
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pars. (3), (4). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(3), (6), added pars. (3) and (4) and struck out former pars. (3) and (4) which read as follows:
“(3) to create and nurture a love of country life by encouraging members to improve the farm home and its surroundings, to develop organized rural recreational activities, and to create more interest in the intelligent choice of farming occupations; “(4) to encourage the practice of thrift;”.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(3) by striking paragraphs (3), (4), (6), and (7);
2019
National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Act
Pub. L. 116–7 § 3(6) · 133 Stat. 478
Redesignated · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(5)
Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(6), added par. (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (11)
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Par. (5). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(6), added par. (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (11).
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(6) by inserting before paragraph (7), as redesignated by paragraph (2), the following: “(1) to be an integral component of instruction in agricultural education, including instruction relating to agriculture, food, and natural resources; “(2) to advance comprehensive agricultural education in the United States, including in public schools, by supporting contextual classroom and laboratory instruction and work-based experiential learning; “(3) to prepare students for successful entry into productive careers in fields relating to agriculture, food, and natural resources, including by connecting students to relevant postsecondary educational pathways and focusing on the complete delivery of classroom and laboratory instruction, work-based experiential learning, and leadership development; “(4) to be a resource and support organization that does not select, control, or supervise State association, local chapter, or individual member activities; “(5) to develop educational materials, programs, services, and events as a service to State and local agricultural education agencies; “(6) to seek and promote inclusion and diversity in its membership, leadership, and staff to reflect the belief of the FFA in the value of all human beings;” ;
2019
National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Act
Pub. L. 116–7 § 3(3) · 133 Stat. 478
1. Added · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(6)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(3), (6), added par. (6)
2. Struck · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(6)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(3), (6), struck out former par. (6) which read as follows: “to publish an official magazine and other publications for the members of the corporation;”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Par. (6). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(3), (6), added par. (6) and struck out former par. (6) which read as follows: “to publish an official magazine and other publications for the members of the corporation;”.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(3) by striking paragraphs (3), (4), (6), and (7);
2019
National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Act
Pub. L. 116–7 § 3(7) · 133 Stat. 478
Struck and inserted · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(7)
Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(7), struck out “composed of students and former students of vocational agriculture in public schools qualifying for Federal reimbursement under the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act (20 U.S.C. 11–15, 16–28” before “) and associations of those chapters” and inserted “as such chapters and associations carry out agricultural education programs that are approved by States, territories, or possessions” after “United States”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Par. (7). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(7), struck out “composed of students and former students of vocational agriculture in public schools qualifying for Federal reimbursement under the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act (20 U.S.C. 11–15, 16–28” before “) and associations of those chapters” and inserted “as such chapters and associations carry out agricultural education programs that are approved by States, territories, or possessions” after “United States”.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(7) in paragraph (7), as redesignated by paragraph (2)— (A) by striking “composed of students and former students of vocational agriculture in public schools qualifying for Federal reimbursement under the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act (20 U.S.C. 11–15, 16–28”; and (B) by inserting “as such chapters and associations carry out agricultural education programs that are approved by States, territories, or possessions” after “United States”;
2019
National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Act
Pub. L. 116–7 § 3(2) · 133 Stat. 478
1. Redesignated · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(7)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(2), (3), redesignated par. (1) as (7)
2. Struck · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(7)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(2), (3), struck out former par. (7) which related to strengthening the confidence of young men and women to encourage development of individual farming programs and promote their permanent establishment in farming
Target inherited from the preceding amendment note.
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(2), (3), redesignated par. (1) as (7) and struck out former par. (7) which related to strengthening the confidence of young men and women to encourage development of individual farming programs and promote their permanent establishment in farming.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (7) and (8), respectively;
2019
National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Act
Pub. L. 116–7 § 3(2) · 133 Stat. 478
1. Redesignated · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(8)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(2), (8), redesignated par. (2) as (8)
2. Redesignated · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(8)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(2), (8), substituted “to build” for “to develop”, “and” for “train for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism, and thereby”, and “assertive” for “aggressive rural and”. Former par. (8) redesignated (12)
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Par. (8). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(2), (8), redesignated par. (2) as (8) and substituted “to build” for “to develop”, “and” for “train for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism, and thereby”, and “assertive” for “aggressive rural and”. Former par. (8) redesignated (12).
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (7) and (8), respectively;
2019
National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Act
Pub. L. 116–7 § 3(9) · 133 Stat. 478
Redesignated · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(9); 36 U.S.C. § 70902(10)
Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(9), added pars. (9) and (10). Former par. (9) redesignated (13)
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pars. (9), (10). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(9), added pars. (9) and (10). Former par. (9) redesignated (13).
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(9) by inserting after paragraph (8), as redesignated by paragraph (2), the following: “(9) to increase awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture, food, and natural resources, and the way agriculture contributes to our well-being; “(10) to promote the intelligent choice and establishment of a career in fields relating to agriculture, food, and natural resources;” ;
2019
National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Act
Pub. L. 116–7 § 3(4) · 133 Stat. 478
1. Redesignated · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(11)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(4), (10), redesignated par. (5) as (11)
2. Substituted · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(11)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(4), (10), substituted “to make available to State” for “to procure for and distribute to State”
3. Substituted · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(11)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(4), (10), substituted “FFA” for “corporation”
4. Inserted · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(11)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(4), (10), inserted “, programs, services,” before “and equipment”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Par. (11). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(4), (10), redesignated par. (5) as (11), substituted “to make available to State” for “to procure for and distribute to State” and “FFA” for “corporation” and inserted “, programs, services,” before “and equipment”.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(4) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (11);
2019
National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Act
Pub. L. 116–7 § 3(5) · 133 Stat. 478
1. Redesignated · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(12)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(5), (11), redesignated par. (8) as (12)
2. Substituted · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(12)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(5), (11), substituted “State boards and officials for career and technical” for “State boards for vocational”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Par. (12). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(5), (11), redesignated par. (8) as (12) and substituted “State boards and officials for career and technical” for “State boards for vocational”.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(5) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as paragraphs (12) and (13), respectively;
2019
National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter Amendments Act
Pub. L. 116–7 § 3(5) · 133 Stat. 478
1. Redesignated · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(13)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(5), (12), redesignated par. (9) as (13)
2. Substituted · 36 U.S.C. § 70902(13)
  Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(5), (12), substituted “FFA” for “corporation”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Par. (13). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(5), (12), redesignated par. (9) as (13) and substituted “FFA” for “corporation”.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(5) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as paragraphs (12) and (13), respectively;

21 of 22 references resolved to an enrolled provision · 1 partial

Notes

historicalAndRevision

Historical and Revision Notes
RevisedSection	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
70902	36:273.	Aug. 30, 1950, ch. 823, § 3, 64 Stat. 563.

In clause (1), the reference to the Vocational Education Act of 1946 (ch. 541, 49 Stat. 1488) is omitted because that Act was repealed by section 103 of the Act of October 16, 1968 (Public Law 90–576, 82 Stat. 1091). The words “States, territories, and possessions” are substituted for “several States and Territories” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

In clause (7), the words “young men and women” are substituted for “farm boys and young men” to use gender-neutral terminology.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(1), substituted “FFA” for “corporation” in introductory provisions.

Pars. (1), (2). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(6), added pars. (1) and (2). Former pars. (1) and (2) redesignated (7) and (8), respectively.

Pars. (3), (4). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(3), (6), added pars. (3) and (4) and struck out former pars. (3) and (4) which read as follows:

“(3) to create and nurture a love of country life by encouraging members to improve the farm home and its surroundings, to develop organized rural recreational activities, and to create more interest in the intelligent choice of farming occupations;

“(4) to encourage the practice of thrift;”.

Par. (5). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(6), added par. (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (11).

Par. (6). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(3), (6), added par. (6) and struck out former par. (6) which read as follows: “to publish an official magazine and other publications for the members of the corporation;”.

Par. (7). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(7), struck out “composed of students and former students of vocational agriculture in public schools qualifying for Federal reimbursement under the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act (20 U.S.C. 11–15, 16–28” before “) and associations of those chapters” and inserted “as such chapters and associations carry out agricultural education programs that are approved by States, territories, or possessions” after “United States”.

Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(2), (3), redesignated par. (1) as (7) and struck out former par. (7) which related to strengthening the confidence of young men and women to encourage development of individual farming programs and promote their permanent establishment in farming.

Par. (8). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(2), (8), redesignated par. (2) as (8) and substituted “to build” for “to develop”, “and” for “train for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism, and thereby”, and “assertive” for “aggressive rural and”. Former par. (8) redesignated (12).

Pars. (9), (10). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(9), added pars. (9) and (10). Former par. (9) redesignated (13).

Par. (11). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(4), (10), redesignated par. (5) as (11), substituted “to make available to State” for “to procure for and distribute to State” and “FFA” for “corporation” and inserted “, programs, services,” before “and equipment”.

Par. (12). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(5), (11), redesignated par. (8) as (12) and substituted “State boards and officials for career and technical” for “State boards for vocational”.

Par. (13). Pub. L. 116–7, § 3(5), (12), redesignated par. (9) as (13) and substituted “FFA” for “corporation”.

Credits

1998–2019 · 2 acts

1998Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1356
2019Pub. L. 116–7, § 3, Feb. 21, 2019, 133 Stat. 478.

Show as published

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1356; Pub. L. 116–7, § 3, Feb. 21, 2019, 133 Stat. 478.)