Ag entrepreneurs encouraged to apply for Growing Tomorrow Grants

COLUMBUS (OFBF) – Beginning May 1, applications will be accepted for Ohio Farm Bureau’s Growing Tomorrow Grant, created to help inspire, encourage and nurture young agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs. 

With the support received from individuals and organizations like Nationwide and Farm Credit Mid-America, the Growing Tomorrow Grant anticipates awarding up to $100,000 this year. The grants are designed to find creative and transformative ways to address challenges facing the agricultural sector today, and to generate wider and deeper public understanding of farming and the ways that agriculture impacts our nation and our communities.

The Growing Tomorrow Grant program, established by Ohio Farm Bureau members Mike and Patti Boyert, ensures that creative young farmers can access opportunities the Boyerts did not have as they began their careers in agriculture. Their goal is to use these grants to enable young professionals to use their skills to alleviate the difficulties facing agriculture today, including a lack of public education regarding the importance of farms within the U.S. food system and the significant economic hardships facing rural communities and farm workers.

The Growing Tomorrow Grant will provide grants to new or early-stage agricultural businesses. Grants will focus on supporting, among other activities:

• The creation of long-term, sustainable employment opportunities within Ohio farming communities.

• Educational opportunities to enable better public understanding of agriculture, help farmers learn from each other, and teach new and different agricultural methodologies.

• Businesses that use or demonstrate the viability of agricultural techniques that center on environmental stewardship.

• Farmers actively working to find new ways to sustainably grow food and distribute it within the Ohio communities that need it most.

• Young professionals and entrepreneurs who are looking to secure startup funds for a new business or seeking funds to enhance the impact of an existing business are encouraged to apply. Grant recipients should have a solid business plan and sustainable solution to one or more of the four challenges listed above. 

Get more information by registering for a virtual information session May 7 at 7 p.m. Participants will hear from Mike and Patti Boyert on why they started this grant and learn more about the application process and requirements from Ohio Farm Bureau staff. There will be an opportunity to ask questions during this virtual event.

For questions regarding the Growing Tomorrow Grant and to apply, visit ofb.ag/GrowingTomorrowGrant. Deadline to apply is July 31.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.

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