W.B. Saul FFA Member to Conduct Ag Research in India

In February 2010, Jenna Moser, W.B. Saul FFA Member (Future Farmers of America), received an offer that presented her with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; she had been offered an internship with the World Food Prize.
The World Food Prize was conceived by 1970 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Dr. Norman E. Borlaug. This prestigious award has recognized outstanding individuals who have made life-changing contributions to improving the quality, quantity or availability of food throughout the world. IN 1990, John Ruan, Des Moines businessman and philanthropist, took on the sponsorship of The Prize and established the World Food Prize Foundation, located in Des Moines, Iowa.
Each year the World Food Prize selects 16 high school students to receive the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship. Moser was one of the individuals chosen. The all-expense-paid, eight-week hands-on experience provides youth the opportunity to work with world renowned scientists and policymakers at leading research centers in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Moser will be stationed at the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in Chennai, India.
“I hope to gain a better understanding, appreciation and insight into other cultures,” Moser said. “I think it’s going to be really interesting to see and live in a completely different environment. I’m a bit nervous that I will only know myself when I get there, but I know this is going to be a life-changing experience.”
Before she was chosen for the internship, Moser was planning to run for Pennsylvania State FFA Office in June. She has chosen to defer running for one year in order to go through with the internship. In the fall, she will continue her education at Penn State, Main Campus studying agriculture education with a minor in international agriculture. In June 2011, Moser plans to stick with her dream in acquiring a Pennsylvania FFA State Office.
Upon return from India, Moser will submit a research report and reflection paper documenting their research project. “I never knew how severe the global food crisis and other devastating agriculture issues were. Now, I want to help, especially the farmers.”
Moser departs for her internship on June 19, just five days after her high school graduation. She will return August 17, not leaving much time between then and when she will begin classes at Penn State University.
Moser was one of the initial students that worked on and conceived “Henry Got Crops”. She will represent Philadelphia helping to bring low input sustainable agriculture to both the World Food Prize and India.