THE NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION RECEIVES 2026 PREMIER PARTNER AWARD FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA ASSOCIATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION RECEIVES 2026 PREMIER PARTNER AWARD FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA ASSOCIATION

RALEIGH, NC (JUNE 24, 2026) – The North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA) has been honored with the prestigious 2026 Premier Partner Award by the North Carolina Future Farmers of America Association (NC FFA). The award was presented during the 97th NC FFA State Convention in Raleigh.

As the NC FFA’s highest corporate honor, the Premier Partner Award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated an outstanding, sustained commitment to supporting agricultural education and empowering the next generation of industry leaders.

Over the years, the NCFA has partnered with the NC FFA on several agricultural education initiatives, including the creation and launch of North Carolina’s first-ever high school forestry course with an industry-aligned credential: AN53 Natural Resources II-Forestry and the Certified Forest Worker Credential. Both organizations collaborated with ForestryWorks® to create the course, which was implemented in high schools in 2024 and continues to thrive today.

"Our collaboration with the North Carolina Forestry Association is an example of what happens when education and industry unite,” said Joshua Bledsoe, State Agricultural Education Leader and State FFA Advisor, North Carolina State University. “By helping us build the North Carolina agricultural education forestry course, they are directly equipping thousands of students with the skills needed to sustain our state’s vital forest industry. They are highly deserving of the North Carolina FFA Premier Partner Award, and we are deeply grateful for their continued investment in the future of our students."

In North Carolina, there is a steady need for skilled forestry professionals due to ongoing forest management needs, forest products manufacturing, and conservation efforts. However, recent statistics show us that the overall forest workforce in the U.S. is aging, with 59% of the total forestry and logging labor force between the ages of 35-64 and only 12% between the ages of 16-24 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). This makes access and exposure to forestry education absolutely critical to close the age gaps.

“Students have a wide variety of forestry and natural resources career paths available to them, and we know it’s important to foster interests at an early age,” said Jessica Ireland, Director of Education Programs, NCFA. “Partnering with the NC FFA to educate North Carolina communities about sustainable forestry—and the thriving career pathways available to today's youth—is an absolute privilege. We are deeply inspired by the work we get to do every day and the incredible partners we work alongside.”

To learn more about this forestry course, and additional forestry education resources, visit NCFA’s website: https://www.ncforestry.org/forestry-course-and-credential

Media Contact:

Jeanne Harmor, Director of Communications, NCFA

jharmor@ncforestry.org

o: (919) 834-3943 x5

m: (585) 313-7626

ABOUT THE NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION

The North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA) is a private, non-profit partnership of approximately 4,000 forest managers, landowners, forest products manufacturers, loggers, educators, students, and others concerned about the long-term health and productivity of the state’s forest resources and the industries they support. Established in 1911, the NCFA is the state’s oldest forest conservation organization, with a mission to ensure healthy, productive, and sustainable forests. Learn more: www.ncforestry.org

ABOUT THE NORTH CAROLINA FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA ASSOCIATION

Future Farmers of America (FFA) is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares its members for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success.

The North Carolina FFA is a state association comprised of local chapters and functions within the constitution of the National FFA Organization, creating individual leadership structures, awards, programs, and competitions. North Carolina Agricultural Education and the North Carolina FFA Association work hand in hand to provide the very best experience for the agriculture students and teachers of North Carolina. Learn more: https://ncffa.org/

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