Florida students can earn ABAC credit for certifications

TIFTON — Florida high school students who earn industry certifications can now receive credits toward their degrees in the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

ABAC President Tracy Brundage was joined by Jeb Smith, the president of Florida Farm Bureau, and Tal Coley, CEO of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), as well as ABAC Provost and interim SANR Dean Jerry Baker and Andrew Thoron, the department head for Agricultural Education and Communication, to sign two memoranda of understanding that make the agreements official.

“Industry partners like the Florida Farm Bureau and the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association strengthen ABAC’s relationships with school-based agriculture programs and teachers in Florida,” Brundage said. “The reputation of our School of Agriculture and Natural Resources draws students from across the country. These agreements will help us continue to attract the best students from the state of Florida.”

The agreements state that ABAC will award academic credit for students who complete any of a variety of certifications offered by Agriculture Education Services and Technology Inc., a subsidiary of the Florida Farm Bureau, and FNGLA. All the certifications reflect specific skills identified through a set of technical competencies and validated by industry examinations.

“The FNGLA is excited to work with Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College as they begin to award college credit to Florida students who hold an FNGLA certification,” Coley said. “We look forward to sharing the ABAC story and this fantastic opportunity for students who wish to pursue a degree in the agriculture sector.”

The idea for the partnership began when Thoron was in Florida assisting at an FFA career development event. He was approached by teachers about the possibility of students receiving ABAC credit for industry certifications. Thoron was involved in the development of certifications while previously teaching in Florida and recognized its potential.

“This shows our commitment to Florida’s high school agriculture teachers and their efforts in preparing students to be college- and career-ready,” he said. “The certifications represent essential knowledge, developed by industry professionals, and play a crucial role in employment within the field.”

ABAC annually draws approximately 250 students from Florida, the most from any state other than Georgia. Thoron added that similar offerings for high school students in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina are being discussed.