NASHVILLE — Representative Johnny Shaw, along with Governor Bill Lee and Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt have been selected to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree, the highest honor the National FFA Organization can bestow upon an individual.
The Honorary American FFA Degree recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional service on a national level to agriculture, agricultural education or FFA, with an impact extending beyond the local, regional or state level. The National FFA Board of Directors makes the final decision on recipients.
Tennessee FFA Director Ryan Inman nominated all three recipients for the national honor.
“Representative Shaw, Governor Lee, and Commissioner Holt have each made a lasting investment in the future of agriculture by creating opportunities for young people to learn, lead and prepare for careers in our industry,” said Inman. “Their support of FFA and agricultural education has had an impact well beyond the classroom and beyond Tennessee. These leaders have earned this recognition through their commitment to strengthening agriculture and preparing the next generation to lead it.”
Representative Johnny Shaw
Representative Shaw has championed agricultural innovation, education and workforce development throughout his legislative career. He sponsored the Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative, later named the Representative Johnny Shaw Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative, supporting agricultural education, innovation and workforce development.
He has also supported programs that advance priorities such as food security, agricultural literacy and rural economic development.
Shaw was named the Tennessee Forestry Association Legislator of the Year in 2016 for his work in forestry, conservation and natural resource management and the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association Legislator of the Year in 2021 for his support of veterinary medicine and animal agriculture. He was recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development in 2022 as a Tennessee State Black History Month Honoree for his work supporting rural communities and economic opportunity. He also received the Tennessee Education Association Presidential Award for Meritorious Service for his commitment to student success and educational opportunity.
He, along with Lee and Holt, join a distinguished group of individuals recognized by the National FFA Organization for service that has helped advance agriculture, agricultural education, and the FFA mission of premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
