An FFA member from Commerce was one of 75 Future Farmers of America from around the country who spent twelve days in Africa recently on what was billed as an "educational and cultural experience."
Members participated in the 2017 International Leadership Seminar for State Officers. The seminar allows FFA members to experience foreign culture, learn about international agriculture and become more knowledgeable on the global marketplace, according to an FFA press release.
Seventy-five past and present state FFA officers - including Faith Gilman of Commerce - representing 20 states left the U.S. on Jan. 4. The group traveled throughout five of South Africa’s nine provinces while surveying the agricultural landscape. They met with government and U.S. Embassy officials to learn about U.S. and South African trade relations; toured crop and livestock operations; met with business and industry leaders; and explored a private game reserve that is home to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. The group also met with fruit exporters, olive oil producers and more.
Gilman was one of two Georgians making the trip. The other was Angel Rewis of Fargo.
