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

Lawmakers raise concerns about foreign influence and DEI initiatives

Feb. 6, 2026 at 12:47am

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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 Syngenta's ties to the Chinese Communist Party as well as the FFA's push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which they say may be distracting from the organization's core mission.

Why it matters

The National FFA Organization is a prominent youth agriculture education group with over 1 million student members across the U.S. Lawmakers are worried that the FFA's relationship with Syngenta and focus on DEI could undermine its ability to effectively prepare the next generation of American farmers and jeopardize national food security.

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 FFA's CEO demanding documents and answers related to the Syngenta partnership and DEI policies. The lawmakers say these issues raise concerns about foreign influence and whether the FFA is operating in line with its tax-exempt status and stated mission.

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

The players

House Ways and Means Committee

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

Congressional FFA Caucus

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

Syngenta Group

A major agribusiness company that is partially owned by the Chinese government.

Scott Stump

The CEO of the National FFA Organization.

Brooke Rollins

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under the Trump administration.

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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.”

— Chairmen Smith, Schweikert, and Representative Mann, House Ways and Means Committee Chair, Oversight Subcommittee Chairman, and FFA Caucus co-chair (Office of House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith)

“Farm security is national security”

— Brooke Rollins, USDA Secretary (USDA National Farm Security Action plan)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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