Future Farmers of America Next Gen Conference

Event description

This fall, GFI is headed to Fargo to engage directly with future food system leaders. At the FFA Next Generation: Emerging Technology Conference (Sept. 9–12 at Grand Farm in Fargo, North Dakota), Jeremy Eltz, Ph.D., GFI’s Education and Workforce Development Manager, will lead hands-on programming for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors—students exploring career paths in food, ag, and STEM.

Set at Grand Farm, a hub of agricultural innovation, the conference offers students a window into cutting-edge technologies and the people driving them. Through interactive workshops and direct engagement, Jeremy will introduce alternative proteins as a high-impact, mission-aligned field where science and sustainability meet.

Our presence at this event advances GFI’s goal of ensuring the next generation has access to the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to thrive in a transforming food system. Together with FFA and Grand Farm, we’re helping students imagine—and lead—what comes next.

And this is just the beginning. GFI will continue our engagement with FFA at the National FFA Convention later in October. Stay tuned—and check out our events webpage for more details on how we’re partnering with the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Event location

GFI speaker

Jeremy Eltz, Ph.D.

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Prior to joining GFI, Jeremy Eltz served as the Director of Rural Education at the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning at the University of Indianapolis. Jeremy began his career as a research scientist and middle school teacher, before joining the Indiana Department of Education in 2012. During his time at the IDOE, Jeremy created and implemented the state’s first STEM plan—which resulted in the adoption of new STEM programs and pathways in K-12 education across the state. Jeremy has a bachelor’s in biology from Indiana University Bloomington, a master’s degree in teaching from Marian University, a PhD in educational leadership from Indiana State, and a school superintendent’s license. He currently resides in Carmel, Indiana, with his wife, Missy, and two daughters, Macy and Mallory.