Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will partner with National FFA to support youth and prepare the workforce of tomorrow for unique careers in agriculture.

Perdue gave remarks during the 2017 National FFA Organization’s State Presidents’ Conference D.C. Alumni Breakfast at USDA on Wednesday morning.

Following their remarks, Perdue and National FFA Organization chief executive officer Mark Poeschl signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between USDA and National FFA.

“At National FFA, we are preparing our students to be tomorrow’s leaders in agriculture,” Poeschl said. “Through this MOU, USDA helps us continue our vision of growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. We look forward to our partnership and the ability to share our ideas with USDA.”

Under the newly signed MOU, USDA and National FFA will collaborate on both short- and long-term initiatives to motivate and prepare young people, connect them with opportunities in agriculture, food and natural resource systems and build appreciation for the reach and importance of agriculture.

The MOU was signed in Washington, D.C., during the National FFA Organization’s State Presidents’ Conference.