Congress Investigates National FFA's Relationship With China-Backed Syngenta

Lawmakers raise concerns about foreign influence and DEI initiatives at the agricultural youth organization.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 9:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Congressional leaders are demanding answers from the National FFA Organization about its partnership with the Syngenta group, a China-backed agribusiness. Federal lawmakers are concerned about the Communist-Party-controlled company as well as the organization's push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which they say may conflict with FFA's mission.

Why it matters

The National FFA Organization is a prominent agricultural youth organization that plays a crucial role in educating and preparing the next generation of American farmers. Lawmakers are worried that the group's relationship with a Chinese-owned company and its focus on DEI could undermine its core purpose and potentially violate its tax-exempt status.

The details

The inquiry is being led by the House Ways and Means Committee and the Congressional FFA Caucus. They have sent a letter to the National FFA Organization CEO Scott Stump, demanding documents and answers related to the partnership with Syngenta and the group's DEI policies. The lawmakers argue that working with a 'foreign adversary' and prioritizing 'woke policies' could mean FFA is not complying with the requirements to maintain its tax-exempt status.

  • On February 6, 2026, congressional leaders sent a letter to the National FFA Organization demanding information.
  • The FFA is directed to provide the requested information and documents by February 17, 2026.

The players

National FFA Organization

A youth organization that promotes leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education, with over one million student members across the United States.

Syngenta Group

A major agribusiness company that is owned by the Chinese state-owned ChemChina corporation, raising concerns about foreign influence.

House Ways and Means Committee

A powerful congressional committee that oversees tax policy and the tax-exempt status of organizations.

Congressional FFA Caucus

A group of lawmakers focused on issues related to the National FFA Organization and agricultural education.

Scott Stump

The CEO of the National FFA Organization.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“From the international funding sources and activities of tax-exempt entities in the U.S., and the role of certain organizations in fostering antisemitism in American society, the Committee has engaged in continuous oversight ensuring all tax-exempt organizations are abiding by their exempt status and are avoiding actions that may erode, evade, or violate the purposes for which their tax-exempt status was granted. The National FFA is an organization that is dedicated to educating America's youth in 'leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.' This mission is critical to the future of American farming, as over one million student members, across more than nine thousand state and local chapters in the United States, look to the National FFA for guidance. Working with our nation's foreign adversaries and prioritizing woke policies over your mission raises serious concerns regarding whether the National FFA is complying with the requirements to maintain tax-exempt status.”

— Congressman Jason Smith, Congressman David Schweikert, and Congressman Tracey Mann, House Ways and Means Committee Chair, Oversight Subcommittee Chairman, and FFA Caucus co-chair (Letter to National FFA Organization)

What’s next

The House Ways and Means Committee and the Congressional FFA Caucus have given the National FFA Organization until February 17, 2026, to provide the requested information and documents related to its partnership with Syngenta and its DEI initiatives.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the growing concerns among some lawmakers about the potential influence of foreign entities and 'woke' policies on youth organizations like the National FFA. The outcome could have significant implications for the future direction and funding of the organization.