This morning, I was working once again with the Federation of Farmers of the Republic of Macedonia. We've identified them as the last of our High Impact Projects.
They are uniquely positioned to really leverage the power of young people in shaping a country's future. One of the strategic goals for the Federation of Farmers is to increase the involvement of young people who see farming as a career option. This project will bring additional resources to FFRM to assist them in creating new outreach strategies, incentives, membership, and training for young people who are considering becoming farmers. Younger farmers may also be particularly interested in advocacy and this project will help to create opportunities for their involvement in FFRM's overall strategy.
As a schoolteacher back in Ohio, my grandfather was very involved in the leadership of Future Farmers of America. We weren't farmers, so I don't know that much personally, but I certainly have a profound respect for the role of agriculture here in Macedonia—historically, now, and for the future. A primary outcome for this project is the Implementation of a “Future Farmers of Macedonia” program for young farmers.
We worked together to develop a draft action plan for the project, which includes a study tour and participation in this year's FFA National Conference in Indianapolis later this fall. When I get back to the United States, I will also be working to plan a trip to Macedonia for a staff member of Growing Power. This Milwaukee-based group is a non-profit organization and land trust supporting people from diverse backgrounds and the environment in which they live by helping to provide equal access to healthy, high-quality, safe and affordable food. Their mission is implemented by providing hands-on training, on-the-ground demonstration, outreach and technical assistance through the development of Community Food Systems that help people grow, process, market and distribute food in a sustainable manner.
Growing Power inspires communities to build sustainable food systems that are equitable and ecologically sound, creating a just world, one food-secure community at a time.
I'm excited that they will be able to share their insights when staff from the Federation visits the United States and when Growing Power comes here to Macedonia. I'm looking forward to helping plan both visits!