DuPont and National Corn Growers Launch Program to Empower Farmers as Leaders
Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) July 18, 2013 -- DuPont and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced a new program today to develop corn farmers for agricultural leadership opportunities. With more focus on food than ever, the NCGA DuPont New Leader Program will help to empower growers to share their story of their farms and the benefits of a robust agriculture system with key audiences, including consumers, media and decision-makers.
“We’re very excited to kick off this new program, sponsored by DuPont, at a time when farmers are critically needed for today’s growing conversation about farming and food,” said NCGA President Pam Johnson. “Our family farmers are a trusted voice and have a great story to tell, and communications support is especially important for those preparing to get more involved in leadership.”
“These next generations of family farmers are critical to feeding a growing world population,” said Susan Bunz, leader of Policy and Outreach for the advanced seed business of DuPont Pioneer. “We are excited for the opportunity to work with NCGA to prepare these new farmers to be advocates for agriculture and leaders in agriculture policy at the state and national levels.”
The NCGA DuPont New Leader Program will bring farmers from each affiliated state to two sessions to develop and hone their communications and leadership skills. The first session will be held in November at the DuPont Pioneer facilities in Johnston, Iowa. The second session will take place in Washington in July 2014. In between the two sessions, those farm couples involved will be encouraged to be actively participating and honing their skills in state and national programs.
“The time between the two sessions is important for those involved because there are a number of ways they can and should engage – such as Commodity Classic, state association board meetings and events, and programs like CommonGround and the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance,” Johnson said. “NCGA and its state affiliates are actively looking for farming men and women who want to get involved, and this is the perfect opportunity to do so.”
Applications for the inaugural class will be available later this summer.
Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents more than 39,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide. NCGA and its 48 affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for their members and their industry.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.
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Jane Slusark, DuPont, 515-745-4406, [email protected]
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