FMC Corporation Inspires Students Through Awards Recognizing Outstanding National FFA Agriscience Plant Systems Research

- Students encouraged to explore life cycles of crops, trees and shrubs

- Financial awards to students showcasing excellent planning and experimentation

- Application period begins November 15 for 2016 program

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Jul 22, 2015, 04:30 ET

PHILADELPHIA, July 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) announced a greater commitment to farming's future by becoming sole sponsor of the National FFA Agriscience Research - Plant Systems Proficiency Awards for 2015. The awards recognize outstanding high school students' active research and experimentation in the production of plants, animals and related processes.

Jordan Cadle was last year's winner of the National FFA Agriscience Research-Plant Systems Proficiency Award, sponsored by FMC.

"We continue to look for ways to encourage students - our future crop growers - now. Our expanded partnership with the National FFA Organization is one way we can spark their inquiring minds and encourage additional innovation," said John Kasper, FMC Agricultural Solutions North America commercial business director.

This award is available for participation to all 7,665 local FFA chapters. In 2014, more than 200 students participated at the state and national level. The award supports student research in the life cycles, classifications, functions and practices of plant systems related to crops, turf grass, trees and shrubs, and/or ornamental plants. The recognition includes independent studies as well as those students who may be cooperating on projects with others.

"Students must participate in a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in order to qualify for proficiency award entry. The SAE program allows agricultural students to gain valuable experience through participation in career and leadership skill-building activities. It's never too early to begin thinking about your experience selection and prepare for the award process," continued Kasper.

SAE programs also involve planning and conducting scientific investigations and use the scientific method. Awards are made available to every FFA chapter across the country. Nationally, students are recognized with the FFA Agriscience Plant Systems Research Proficiency Award, which is sponsored by FMC.

Chapter level awardees receive medals and certificates of recognition. Each state winner receives similar acknowledgement and a $250 cash award. Four national finalists each will receive a $500 cash award, and the national winner receives the top award of $1,000.

"Practical learning by doing is accomplished from student participation in SAE programs," said Glenn Sims, National FFA Foundation senior regional director. "We appreciate the growing support from FMC to help agricultural students across the country learn, explore undiscovered opportunities with plants and gain career success."

FMC representatives will participate in judging this year's national finalist entries and present the awards during the National FFA Convention on October 28-31 in Louisville, Ky.

For more information on FMC crop protection products, please visit www.FMCcrop.com.

About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 610,240 student members as part of 7,665 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. 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. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress, and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set the direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org, on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.

About FMC
FMC Corporation is a specialty company serving agricultural, industrial and consumer markets globally for more than a century with innovative solutions, applications and quality products. In 2014, FMC had annual sales of approximately $3.3 billion from continuing operations. FMC acquired Cheminova in April 2015, which had sales of DKK 6.8 billion in 2014. FMC employs approximately 7,000 people throughout the world and operates its businesses in three segments: FMC Agricultural Solutions, FMC Health and Nutrition, and FMC Lithium. For more information, visit www.FMC.com.

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SOURCE FMC Corporation