Sulphur Springs FFA Ag Issues Team
Discusses Pros & Cons of Agricultural Appropriations Bill 2013

by: Bobby McDonald

For seven Sulphur Springs FFA students, it's been a "short course" in the deregulation of genetically engineered crops, as they prepare for the upcoming Area FFA Contest, on November 17th. The students, three debating the pros of the ‘Monsanto Rider’  a provision to the bill versus three against the provision.  As they prepare the material and get prepared to answer questions regarding the issues. "It's a timely subject and one that requires the students to be 'on top' of the issues," expressed Sulphur Springs Vocational Agriculture Teacher, Amber Norris. "We've selected some of our brightest students to debate the issues and to become familiar with the cause and effect of GMO crops entering our food supply.”

Students debate the necessity of lifting regulations on GMO crops to speed introduction of new technology.  Sarah Halter, opposes the bill stating that it will cause a massive flooding of our food market with GMOs which could cause harm to the consumer and the environment.  Meanwhile, others site growing concerns for limited federal regulation on GMO giants.   

Sulphur Springs FFA Ag Issues Team members presenting to the community

in preparation for the District contest on November the 9th.

"We've got to convince the judges that we know all about the effects of this bill’s provisions," expressed Swinson "We'll discuss the issues both for and against the bill then answer a number of questions about the issues, scoring points for our presentation and ability to answer questions."

On Tuesday afternoon, the FFA Team presented their presentation to a number of local individuals, who critiqued their points, asked questions in a mock session similar to what they will experience at contest, and provided advice about their overall presentation.

"We have some more work to do, in the next 10 days, but the students are learning their parts, and practicing making quick decisions concerning the question phase of the contest," expressed Norris. "These students are able to 'think on their feet' and answer the hard questions regarding the issues.

Best of Luck to the
Sulphur Springs FFA Ag Issues Team!!!

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