Ford's extensive involvement in the sustainability and future of American farming was recognized before the 55,000 attendees at the annual convention of the National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America). 2010 marks the 62nd year of National FFA support by Ford Trucks, participating Ford Truck dealers and Ford Fund and Community Services.

The National FFA Organization is honoring Ford Motor Company with its Distinguished Service Citation for outstanding contributions to FFA and agricultural education over an extended period of time. As the largest corporate sponsor of scholarships in the National FFA scholarship program, Ford has awarded more than $6,060,000 in scholarships to FFA members since 1997. In addition, Ford supports the National FFA Chapter Award program, the National FFA Alumni and the National FFA Convention and Career Show.

A new element of the partnership involves the expansion of Ford's award-winning teen safe driving program -- Ford Driving Skills for Life -- through the FFA National Chapter Program. Ford DSFL is a national safe driving program that focuses on the leading cause of teenage crashes and fatalities: inexperience. FFA chapters are invited to use the Ford DSFL program to create safe driving promotions targeting peers in their community. In addition to hands-on events, DSFL offers learning tools on an interactive Web site including quizzes, car care videos, driving tip videos, interactive games and an enhanced eco-driving curriculum. Free educator packets are available for students, parents and educators.

"Ford Motor Company has truly gone above and beyond for the FFA and for the farm community for more the six decades," said Glenn Sims, senior regional director, National FFA Foundation. "The 2010 Distinguished Service Citation recognizes Ford's many significant contributions to the FFA."

In addition, two universities are receiving $50,000 Ford College Community Challenge Grants for research and implementation of pilot projects extending the use of alternative fuel technology in small farm operations. Kettering University and the Harvesting Earth Educational Farm will research and implement practical and cost effective renewable energy resources to extend the growing season for a community greenhouse where local, underprivileged residents learn horticulture skills. The grant to Florida A&M University will research renewable biofuels production and use on small farms through its StateWide Small Farm Collaborative.

Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services is focused on building communities through partnerships that promote education, driving safety and quality of life in communities where Ford does business. Established in 1949, and made possible by funding from Ford Motor Company, the Fund's programs include Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, which provides high school students with academically rigorous, interactive learning experiences, and Ford Driving Skills for Life, a teen-focused safe driving initiative. Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, 20,000 Ford employees and retirees participate each year in a wide range of volunteer projects in their communities in more than 40 countries.

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