Deadline to apply for grants nears

Grants are available for projects in aquaculture and other agricultural topics.

HARRISBURG — Direct and matching grants for projects that increase knowledge and awareness of agricultural and rural issues among youths are now available, acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced.

Applications for the Agricultural and Rural Youth Grant Program are available for innovative projects in aquaculture, animal science, food safety and other agricultural topics. Applications must be submitted to the department via mail and must be postmarked by Oct. 31.

The program provides funding to youth organizations that are recognized by the commonwealth to promote development in the areas of agriculture, rural community leadership, vocational training or peer fellowship.

Project proposals should demonstrate relevance to agricultural or rural issues and show originality and community impact.

In its 17th year, the grant program offers eligible organizations the opportunity to apply for a matching grant of up to $10,000 for projects, including capital projects relating to agriculture or rural issues, and equipment purchases to be used in the course of an agricultural project or project relating to rural issues.

Projects considered for direct grants of up to $2,500 may include:

UThose related to agriculture or rural issues;

UEducational programs relating to agriculture or rural issues and conducted by the applicant;

UEducational seminars or field trips relating to agriculture or rural issues attended by the organization;

UAgriculture safety training programs;

UEquipment purchases and capital projects.

For an application, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on “Students and Educators” and then “PDA Agricultural Rural Youth Grant,” or contact Kristi Rooker at (717)-346-4202 or krooker@state.pa.us.

Return completed applications by Oct. 31 to Kristi Rooker, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, 2301 N. Cameron St., Room 311, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408.