By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Homeschool educators can cultivate an interest in agriculture for students through garden grants offered by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB).

The organization’s Homeschool Garden Grant Program helps students understand the source of their food, fiber and fuel and gain a greater knowledge and appreciation of agriculture.

“The garden grant program was created to help students make the connection to agriculture through learning what it takes to care for a garden project,” said Jordan Bartels, TFB associate director of Organization Division, Educational Outreach. “Students can dig into agriculture and cultivate a better understanding of food production and foster a deeper appreciation for how food is grown and for the people who grow it.”

The program awards 15 $200 grants to homeschool educators to help grow an understanding of food production and agriculture.

Qualifying projects will provide students with hands-on, experiential learning about agriculture through the funding of a new garden project or improvements to an existing garden or greenhouse.

Aquaponic and hydroponic systems are eligible if they are used to teach food production.

Agricultural concepts must be used in instruction. Preference will be given to projects that directly engage students in a hands-on agricultural experience. The project must be science-based in nature to receive consideration.

All applications must include a project timeline, a roster of community partners and a comprehensive budget detailing estimated expenses.

Applications are due Aug. 18.

Grant recipients will be given half of the awarded funds upon notification of selection. The remaining funds will be awarded in the spring.

Grant recipients will be required to share an update in January 2026 and to file a final report electronically to TFB by June 1, 2026.

Additional information, eligibility guidelines and the application link can be found on the Ag in the Classroom webpage at texasfarmbureau.org/aitc.

Contact TFB’s Educational Outreach team at edoutreach@txfb.org for additional questions.