By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist

County Farm Bureaus (CFB) are once again eligible for matching grants to reimburse activities that promote agricultural literacy and awareness.

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) will distribute funds up to $250 through the Ag in the Classroom (AITC) Matching Grant Program to CFBs that have encouraged agricultural education through programs or activities.

“It’s important to have the county Farm Bureaus involved and to continue these activities with as many volunteers as we can,” Jett Mason, TFB director of Educational Outreach, said. “TFB will continue to support the county Farm Bureaus that strive to promote agricultural literacy, and this program allows us do just that.”

Counties selected can receive a 50 percent reimbursement, up to $250, for expenses incurred on AITC programs and activities completed during Aug. 1, 2017, to July 31, 2018.

To qualify for a reimbursement, counties must submit a completed application documenting how the money was used, the cost of the activity with receipts attached, schools involved, number of students and/or teachers who participated and a description of the activity.

The deadline to apply for the 2017-2018 matching grant is Sept. 14. Applications will be reviewed and funds distributed beginning Oct. 1.

Applications have been delivered to local county offices. Completed documents should be returned to the state office to the attention of Jett Mason, Organization Division.

“It takes a village to ensure the next generation of Americans is agriculturally literate and values agriculture and what farmers and ranchers do,” Mason said. “We have to have the help of everyone involved with AITC, including the volunteers from CFBs, to spread that message.”

Contact Mason at 254-751-2569 or jmason@txfb.org with any questions.