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Contact:
Molly Zentz, APR
317-692-7822
765-469-3150
mzentz@infb.org

(Indianapolis) – April 3, 2019– Indiana Farm Bureau issued three county development grants to support new or expanded county Farm Bureau programs, activities or events that enhance the promotion of or provide education about agriculture. The county Farm Bureaus that will receive financial assistance for programming this year are Pulaski, Starke and Warren.

Each recognized county Farm Bureau presented a new or expanded programming idea to INFB. The grant committee reviewed and approved the funds based on financial need and the potential impact of the program in reaching organizational goals.

“In many cases, the county Farm Bureau is the strongest voice for agriculture in the community,” said Isabella Chism, INFB 2nd vice president. “By providing engaging programming in their area, our county Farm Bureaus are able to connect with their community and educate about agriculture. I’m thrilled to see that this year’s awarded counties are using the funds to improve their communities and educate their neighbors of all ages about agriculture.”

Pulaski County Farm Bureau – Aquaponics vs. Raising Plants Indoors
Pulaski County Farm Bureau was awarded $1,050 to launch an educational program for students attending the Pulaski County Fair. The goal of the program is to educate those students about new concepts for plant production, like aquaponics, and the importance of new forms of food production for feeding our growing world population. Once launched at the county fair, Pulaski County Farm Bureau hopes to expand the programming into the local classrooms. The money will be used to purchase aquaponics supplies and a lighted two-tier growing plant stand.

Starke County Farm Bureau – Farm to Fork Event
Starke County Farm Bureau was awarded $1,500 to launch a local Farm-to-Fork event. The purpose of the event is to highlight the many agricultural products and their producers in Starke County, and to foster positive relationships between those producers and the county Farm Bureau. Slated for September of this year, the Farm to Fork event will bring together community leaders of all kinds for dinner and conversation. The money will be used to plan and promote the event.

Warren County Farm Bureau – Local Mobile Food Pantries
Warren County Farm Bureau was awarded $1,500 to implement a monthly mobile food pantry program as part of the Warren County Food Insecurity and Food Deserts program. Since much of Warren County is qualified as a food desert, the mobile food pantry would significantly improve access to food for those in need in the community. Warren County Farm Bureau launched a trial into the program in January and served 64 local families with little promotion. The money would be used to help sponsor the truck for the remainder of the year through Food Finders of Lafayette.

INFB’s program development grants are issued annually. All Indiana county Farm Bureaus are eligible to apply for up to $1,500 in funding each year.

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About Indiana Farm Bureau: 2019 marks the 100^th anniversary of Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB). Since 1919, it has protected the livelihood, land, equipment, animals and crops of Hoosier farmers and is the state’s largest general farm organization. As a farmer’s strongest advocate, INFB works diligently to ensure a farmer’s right to farm, because agriculture is so vital to Indiana’s economy.  Learn more at INFB.org