A Christian agricultural ministry is challenging its exclusion from the upcoming National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. Liberty Counsel announced on October 14 that it is seeking exhibit access for Fellowship of Christian Farmers International, alleging religious discrimination.
In an October 12 demand letter, the ministry’s attorneys requested approval to participate in the October 21–24 expo and sought a response by October 14.
Correspondence reproduced in the letter shows that FFA rejected the application on August 27, citing exhibitor rules excluding organizations with political or religious affiliations or advocacy. FFA reaffirmed its decision on September 28 after the ministry appealed.
According to Liberty Counsel’s announcement, FFA defended the policy as neutral toward political and religious affiliations and cited Establishment Clause concerns related to its federally chartered educational status.
Liberty Counsel disputes that position, arguing that the exclusion violates federal and Indiana nondiscrimination protections. These are the ministry’s legal arguments, not findings by a court.
The letter states that the ministry seeks equal exhibitor access and voluntary conversations with attendees, without asking FFA to sponsor worship or endorse its beliefs.
The October 14 announcement did not report a resolution or court decision.
References
lc/newsroom/details/101426-ffa-convention-excludes-farmer-group-over-its-christian-affiliation
lc/PDFs/Attachments2PRsLAs/2026/101326-Ltr-toFFAreFCFIExhibitorApplicationApproval-10122026_Redacted_.pdf
