FFA generally focuses on things involving earth, but recently Liberty Middle School FFA members got a chance to see how NASA is working to grow food in space.

The event highlighted the innovative work being done to develop sustainable plant growth systems that will support astronauts on longer space missions, such as those to the moon and Mars.

“I didn’t know they were doing research on plants in space,” eighth-grader Gwendolyn Meddaugh said. “It was cool to learn about science that is going on now.”

In a video conference, keynote speaker Jacob Scoccimerra, a Penn State graduate with more than six years in the space industry, shared his expertise in mission management and strategic program leadership. With experience overseeing more than 100 research projects to the International Space Station, Scoccimerra offered insight into the challenges and breakthroughs of growing plants in microgravity. His discussion emphasized how space-based agriculture not only supports human health in orbit but also contributes to solving food security challenges here on Earth.

The work inspired the students.

“I can’t wait to try some of those experiments on the plants in our greenhouse, or maybe come up with experiments for them to try,” said sixth-grader Owen Brust.

The FFA plans to continue growing the partnership, with hopes of offering more opportunities to connect with scientists and inspire innovative solutions to agricultural issues—on Earth and beyond.

“It was really awesome. Everyone thinks FFA is all about farmers,’ eighth-grader Amelia Cole said. “I’ve always been interested in being an astronaut or maybe aeronautical engineering, and never thought that could be a part of FFA too.”