CARY, N.C. (November 05, 2015)
In recognition of more than 30 years of involvement with Future Farmers of America (FFA), J.J. Grow, chief executive officer at Verdesian Life Sciences, has been awarded an Honorary American FFA Degree. Grow was acknowledged with a certificate and a medal at this year’s National FFA Convention, held October 30 in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Honorary American FFA Degree is awarded to members who have advanced agricultural education and the organization through outstanding personal commitment. Members of the National FFA board of directors approved the nomination, commending Grow for going, “beyond valuable daily contributions to make an extraordinary long-term difference in the lives of students, inspiring confidence in a new generation of agriculturists.”
“My experiences in FFA have greatly affected how I lead operations at Verdesian Life Sciences,” said Grow. “With increasing pressures on food demand, supply and safety, we need to encourage the younger generation of FFA members and their communities to remain committed to the growth of U.S. agriculture.”
Throughout his time as an FFA member, Grow’s leadership, cooperation and citizenship have excelled in roles such as Florida FFA State Vice President, FFA State Alumni Board, FFA Foundation Board, University of Florida Agricultural Education Advisory Board and the Crop Life America Board and the Citrus County Food Bank. These experiences shaped his career path in agriculture, and help to shape Grow’s career as well as his leadership in FFA and its Citrus County, Florida chapter.
Grow’s contributions to his community through FFA include the construction of a local swine confinement, donating steer and hog meat purchased from FFA and 4-H to the Citrus County Food Bank, investing in the renovation of the new FFA Association Facility in Gainesville, Florida, and establishing an endowment with his wife, Jennifer, for additional support to FFA activities in Florida.
“I’m thankful for all that FFA has done to enrich my career, and I hope that by giving back I am able to participate in facilitating similar successes and experiences for other FFA members,” Grow said.
For more information, visit vlsci.com or call 800.868.6446.
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