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Ohio Farm Bureau and the Division of Soil and Water Conservation are offering mini-grants to fund SWCD watershed education projects. OFBF’s promotion and education program initiated the grant project to develop partnerships between local SWC districts and county Farm Bureaus. Essentially, SWCD offices are eligible to apply for the grants for projects they can implement with the assistance of county Farm Bureaus.

According to OFBF Education Specialist Judy Roush, "By combining our efforts we feel we can maximize the benefits of both programs and reach more Ohio citizens as a result." Roush suggested county Farm Bureaus contact their local SWCD office and encourage them to apply for the grants.

Two types of grants are available. Grants for both programs will provide up to $500 for individual education projects:

• The Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission has approved $10,000 for source water protection education projects.

• Ohio Farm Bureau is offering $10,000 in mini-grants to SWCDs to deliver professional development programs to Ohio classroom teachers that will address agriculture’s role in local watershed issues.

Only one application per SWCD office will be accepted – parties should not apply to both programs for a mini-grant.

"Both the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and the Division of Soil and Water Conservation are committed to the successful implementation of these programs and are willing to work with districts to ensure quality in your projects," Roush said. Contact her at 614-246-8243 for more information or e-mail jroush@ofbf.org Applications are due Dec. 30.