Blue Diamond Growers was recently awarded the Distinguished Service Citation by the National FFA Organization at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis.
The Distinguished Service Citation honors agencies, businesses, or other groups who have made outstanding contributions to FFA and agricultural education. Awardees must be nominated by a state association. Blue Diamond Growers was among the four awardees acknowledged at this year’s National FFA Convention.
This year, the California Association FFA nominated Blue Diamond Growers, paying homage to their longstanding partnership on Giving Tuesday. This day is an annual tradition for FFA alumni, friends, and supporters to rally behind the California FFA Foundation’s “Give the Gift of Blue” initiative, which provides FFA jackets and uniform essentials to deserving FFA members.
Set to be held on December 3 this year, the contributions made on Giving Tuesday are multiplied by the support of Blue Diamond Growers, which, since 2017, has pledged to match every donation up to $25,000.
“This marks our eighth Giving Tuesday, a tradition of raising funds to ‘Give the Gift of Blue,’ in partnership with Blue Diamond Growers,” said Emily Rooney, chair of the California FFA Foundation and president of the Agricultural Council of California. “With the support of Blue Diamond Growers, we have raised over $463,785, providing 5,293 FFA jackets to members throughout California. We are delighted to see their efforts recognized by National FFA with the Distinguished Service Citation.”
With California’s record-breaking membership of more than 104,000 middle and high school students, the demand for blue jackets has never been greater. The iconic blue jacket stands as more than just a part of the official FFA uniform; it also embodies the values of leadership and rich agricultural tradition instilled in FFA members for over 96 years.
“We are extremely honored and grateful to have received the Distinguished Service Award from FFA,” said Steve Van Duyn, chairman of Blue Diamond Growers. “As a farmer-owned cooperative, we have a long history of supporting the next generation of agriculturists and food producers and are proud to continue this effort through our partnership with FFA.”
Beyond Giving Tuesday, Blue Diamond Growers has been a steadfast ally to FFA and agricultural education, extending support through sponsorships of various proficiencies and awards. With 114 years of agricultural history in Northern California, and the participation of approximately 3,000 family growers responsible for producing almonds for the world, Blue Diamond Growers epitomizes a legacy of excellence.
