Future Farmers of America (FFA) is a national youth organization focused on developing students' leadership, personal growth, and career success in the agricultural sector. Founded in 1928, FFA provides a platform for students to engage in various agricultural education programs, participate in competitions, and gain hands-on experience in farming and agribusiness.
THE FFA CREED, by E.M. Tiffany
I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds – achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.
I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.
I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.
I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so–for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.
I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.
The Creed was written by E.M. Tiffany during the summer of 1928 in preparation for the first National FFA Convention, and was later adopted by the National FFA Organization in 1930. This text is the foundation that the FFA is built on, which is why Gilroy FFA takes immense pride in cultivating the strengths and abilities of its members, as they are the next generation of agriculturalists.