WASHINGTON—Farm advocacy groups in Virginia continue to lead the nation in agricultural education efforts, consistently working to teach young people about farming and food production throughout their local communities.
Several Virginia counties have recently received White-Reinhardt grants from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture®, including Farm Bureaus in Chesterfield, Charles City-James City-New Kent-York, and Franklin counties.
Virginia agricultural educators now have until June 12 to submit applications for funding opportunities through the White-Reinhardt Fund for Education. Working alongside the American Farm Bureau® Women’s Leadership Committee, this yearly grant initiative supports agricultural literacy programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The funding provides as much as $1,000 for creative educational programs designed to help students learn more about how the country produces food, fiber, and fuel.
“These grants allow communities to develop innovative and engaging methods for teaching people about agriculture,” explained Lynn Black, who serves as education director for Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom. “Farm Bureaus collaborate with schools and community groups to provide materials that help kids discover the various aspects of agriculture and its importance in their daily lives.”
Last year, Chesterfield County Farm Bureau became one of just five county Farm Bureaus nationwide to earn grant funding for expanding educational programs about the area’s poultry industry. The county’s Farm Bureau Women’s Committee joined forces with Virginia Cooperative Extension to buy an adaptable “poultry photo op” display featuring trivia and photo opportunities. This educational tool teaches families about different poultry subjects including chicken growth, egg hatching, poultry byproducts, and additional topics.
The CC-JC-NK-York County Farm Bureau’s grant enhanced agricultural programming during the 2023-2024 academic year. Their Women’s Committee bought multiple agriculture and commodity-focused children’s books from the AFBF Agricultural Literacy collection. These books were given to a local nonprofit food pantry, which includes an appropriately themed book with each food donation box sent to families with school-age children.
During 2023, Franklin County Farm Bureau’s Women’s Committee utilized their grant money to buy a 3D EnviroScape® demonstration model showing how conservation practices help protect watersheds and wetlands. Committee volunteers visit schools throughout the county and use this model to show students how farmers work to safeguard the environment while producing food.
Both county and state Farm Bureaus may apply for these grants, with each organization allowed to submit one application per area they serve. All projects must focus on agricultural education.
Applications for the 2026-27 funding cycle must be submitted by June 12. A national review process will evaluate all applications, and chosen recipients will provide final project summaries in July 2027.
Those interested can submit an application for consideration or visit agfoundation.org for more information.
For media inquiries, contact Black at 804-350-3596.
