Family of Farmers announces Ag Resource grant program

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana's Family of Farmers (IFOF) wants to make learning about agriculture easier and even more interesting through a new grant program for local communities.

Grants of up to $2000 will be made available to improve educational agriculture-related events around Indiana. The funds, made possible through the IFOF Ag Resource Committee, may be used by local event organizers to increase participation in educational or outreach events focused on food and fiber, like Ag Day celebrations. Grant applicants may also request monies to make capital improvements (like buying demonstration equipment) or safety upgrades (such as purchasing hand-washing stations).

"Local educational events are a great way to help Hoosiers learn more about all the aspects of agriculture in Indiana," said Danica Kirkpatrick, Educational Events Coordinator for Purdue Agriculture. "The Indiana Family of Farmers team has developed this grant program to help make those existing programs even better."

To be eligible, at least one representative of the grant-requesting organization must attend an IFOF presentation: "Tips for Success: Telling the story of Agriculture Through Educational Events." These presentations take place January -- April as part of the following events:

* Fort Wayne Farm Show -- January 19th in Fort Wayne

*Purdue Extension's Women in Agriculture conference -- February 24th in Jeffersonville

* IN Farm Bureau's Spring Conference -- March 12th -- Indianapolis

* Adobe Connect Meeting at regional sites throughout the state -- Dates and locations TBA