Cargill donation helps FFA chapters deal with virus fallout

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The National FFA Organization says a donation from agribusiness giant Cargill will fund a program to help chapters with funding amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Cargill announced Thursday that it will contribute $500,000 to the program to assist chapters.

National FFA chief program officer Christine White said spring and summer are traditionally a key fundraising period for chapters. However, school closures and the current need for social distancing have made it difficult for chapters to raise money. Banquets, spring plant sales and other fundraisers have been canceled.

The FFA program will allow chapters to receive up to $2,000 in funding to help offset the loss of program revenue.

Cargill is a longtime partner of the Indianapolis-based FFA.