By Andi Anderson
The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation has announced a partnership with Farm Credit Mid-America to support the Growing Tomorrow Grant, which focuses on empowering young agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs.
The grant aims to inspire these individuals to create innovative solutions for challenges faced in agriculture.
“The excitement young people have to get involved in agriculture is often met with an equally daunting list of challenges to get started, with financial hurdles often topping that list,” said Kelly Burns, executive director of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation. “The idea of the Growing Tomorrow Grant is to lessen that financial burden and give young farmers and entrepreneurs an opportunity to transform their enthusiasm into a true opportunity of a lifetime. The generous funding provided by Farm Credit Mid-America will help transform their enthusiasm into a rewarding career in agriculture that, in turn, impacts the communities in which they live.”
The grant, which launched earlier this year, was created by Mike and Patti Boyert, with the goal of encouraging young farmers to develop innovative agricultural solutions.
Their vision also includes enhancing public understanding of agriculture and ensuring the vitality of farming communities.
Farm Credit Mid-America has committed $250,000 over the next five years to help the grant achieve its goals.
“Farm Credit Mid-America recognizes that securing the future of rural communities and agriculture requires investments that support the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators,” said Senior Vice President of Agricultural Lending and Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Board Member Melanie Strait Bok. “Initiatives like the Growing Tomorrow Grant support young people who have taken the initiative to launch their own agricultural businesses. By providing funding and resources for their innovative ideas, we help shape the future of agriculture, remove barriers, and bring creative solutions to life.”
The Growing Tomorrow Grant provides financial support to new or early-stage agricultural businesses, with a focus on:
- Creating sustainable employment opportunities within farming communities
- Offering educational programs to improve public understanding of agriculture
- Supporting businesses that emphasize environmental stewardship
- Encouraging farmers to support their local communities
- These grants aim to help farmers bring creative solutions to life and contribute to the growth and sustainability of agriculture.
Photo Credit: ohio-farm-bureau
Categories: Ohio, Business, Government & Policy