Local Farm Bureau Offering Micro-grants To Youths

Because thriving rural communities must provide opportunities for young people to start farming and business enterprises, the Rockbridge County Farm Bureau has launched a youth micro-grant program.

This program provides a grant to selected applicants in Rockbridge County who wish to start or expand an agriculture, silvoculture, horticulture, or local business enterprise. Funds may be used to purchase livestock, equipment, education, or materials to further the project goals.

Youth in Rockbridge County aged 12 to 19 as of Feb. 10 are eligible to apply. The application ask participants to explain the goals, timeline and budget of the project and then to discuss how this project might grow into a continuing enterprise.

The Rockbridge County Farm Bureau has expectations of the grant recipients, a spokesman explained. A two-page status report on the project is required at six and 12 months after award. Recipients are expected to attend the Rockbridge County Farm Bureau annual meeting, usually held in September, and present on their use of the grant.

Applications are available at the Rockbridge County Farm Bureau office or by emailing Steve Hart at [email protected]. Applications must be received by the Rockbridge County Farm Bureau office by close of business on Friday, Feb. 10.

The Rockbridge County Farm Bureau is making $1,500 available to support this grant which may be awarded to a single recipient or divided among multiple deserving ones at the discretion of the grant committee. Announcement of recipients will be made by March 1.

Individuals and community organizations that desire to support this program may also contact Hart.