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The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation recently awarded its Workforce Development & Ag Literacy Grants, a funding opportunity that is exclusively for county Farm Bureaus. Workforce Development & Ag Literacy Grants support agriculture-related programming that enhances agricultural literacy efforts while creating pathways for young people to learn about the variety and viability of careers in agriculture. 

“Helping to open students’ eyes to the variety of opportunities that await them in agriculture as they seek their career path is essential to the success of the ever important farm and food industry,” said Kelly Burns, executive director of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation. “These county-level programs that introduce young people to agriculture will ensure the next generation of workforce fully understands the vast amount of educational and employment possibilities within our food system.”

A total of four grants were awarded to county Farm Bureaus in the amount of $5,000 each. This funding may be used for new education programs or to expand existing programs that focus on grades 6-12.

Following are those organizations awarded grants in the 2025 grant cycle:

Clermont County Farm Bureau’s School to Farm Sustainable Agriculture Workforce Development

With partners like the Grant Career Center, multiple school districts, 4-H clubs, Ohio State University Extension, Clermont County Soil & Water, 14 local agriculture food and farm producers, as well as the Clermont Educational Services Center, Clermont County Farm Bureau will offer 11 class-like sessions focused on agriculture careers, workforce readiness and internship opportunities for high school students.

Holmes County Farm Bureau’s All In for Life Skills Camp and Job Expo

This event combines three existing programs into one to offer better value for students and industry partners. This new program combines the Life Skills Camp with the community Job Expo and West Holmes FFA’s All-In Week. Together, this program will offer sessions for both high schools in Holmes County that include life skills, as well as personal development and community involvement. They will also offer students the opportunity to attend the Job & Family Services Job Expo, which offers local businesses the chance to teach students about career opportunities through hands-on activities.

Muskingum County Farm Bureau’s Farm Fresh Pop-Up Learning Market

This interactive Pop-up Farmers Market is where students will use tokens to purchase local produce. This summer program will be held at elementary schools, community centers, and libraries. The market will involve youth of all ages and challenge local FFA students to create marketing plans for each booth to test how to best market a product.

Pike County Farm Bureau’s Life of a Real Farmer

This project will create a book that highlights Farm Bureau members and their agriculture careers. The book will be incorporated into two existing county Farm Bureau programs: the Ag Career Connections program that focuses on 8th graders in four area school districts, and the annual Ag Day. Books will be distributed and/or read to students within their county’s schools and libraries.

The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, a 501(c) (3) charitable, nonprofit organization, understands the need to inspire innovation and cultivate investment in Ohio’s farm and food community. Learn more by visiting ohiofarmbureau.org/foundation.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or [email protected].