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Hiebert tours Costa Rica, gains perspective of global agricultureOklahoma As the agricultural community becomes increasingly global, it is crucial that young people considering careers in the industry understand the opportunities and challenges of international trade. A group of 42 national FFA award winners toured agricultural sites in Costa Rica this past summer and compare the industry in Central America and the United States. Following an orientation session in Miami on June 16, the group departed for a 10-day tour. "The global marketplace can be a difficult concept for students to grasp. Visiting agribusinesses and talking to industry experts in Costa Rica will help students see the similarities to U.S. agriculture and better understand how what happens in Central America can have implications back home," says Larry D. Case, national FFA advisor. "Costa Rica is an ideal agricultural tour site because it includes some of the most diverse agriculture and geography in the world, and is small enough that the group will be able to see most of the country during the trip." Seminar participants were selected from national agricultural proficiency award finalists and American Star Farmer and Star in Agribusiness finalists named last October at the 80th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The seminar, in addition to cash awards and plaques, is made possible by business and industry contributions to the National FFA Foundation. During the seminar, students had the opportunity to truly experience global agriculture and culture of Costa Rica. The international seminar is an education study seminar designed to introduce the award participants to agriculture as it is practiced in other countries. Participants visited farms and agribusinesses and had the opportunity to experience living with families from Costa Rica. The Fairview FFA Chapter was proudly represented on the trip. Holly Hiebert, a 2007 graduate of Fairview High School, was selected as one of the five Oklahoma FFA members honored with the opportunity of a global agricultural experience. She qualified by being selected as a national finalist in Agricultural Education proficiency award area at the 80th National Convention. She served the Fairview FFA as its chapter president from 2005-2006 and 2006-2007. Hiebert is a sophomore at Oklahoma State University. Other students participating in the trip from Oklahoma included: Nocona Cook of Cordell, Chase Kokojan of Drummond, Chance Simpson of Kremlin, and Sierra Simpson of Kremlin. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 500, 823 student members--all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture--as part of 7,358 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. 10/27/08 Date: 10/23/08
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