Agriculture Literacy is Focus of Local Grants

The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) is making grants available to support local efforts to develop and understanding of agriculture in students and adults.

The Agriculture in the Classroom Local Support Grants are designed to help communities initiate new projects or expand projects that promote agriculture literacy through education and outreach.  Grants can be used to fund innovation lessons, activities, classroom resources, guest speakers, outreach programs, field-trips and other projects.

"Agriculture affects us all and is an important poart of the state's economy," said IALF executive director Will Fett.  "We hope these grants allow local organizations to teach more people about food, fiber, fuel and natural resources."

Organizations that have agriculture education as a part of their mission or purpose are eligible to apply.  Applicants can apply in one of three areas - Start-up, Scale-up, or Continuing Excellence.

"If you eat, you are involved in agriculture," said Fett.  "These grants will help elevate the understanding of where the food on our plate comes from and how it is connected to the farmers who raise and produce it."

The deadline for application is March 15, 2015 and the proposed project must take place between March 15 and October 31, 2015.  To apply online or for more information visit www.iowaagliteracy.org

Source:  IALF