Farm advocates in Virginia have a track record of promoting agricultural literacy, leading the pack nationwide in educational outreach to youth throughout their communities.
In recent years, Farm Bureaus in Chesterfield, Charles City-James City-New Kent-York and Franklin counties were awarded White-Reinhardt Grants from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture®.
Applications are now open through June 12 for Virginia agricultural educators seeking an opportunity to expand classroom programming through the White Reinhardt Fund for Education. In partnership with the American Farm Bureau® Women’s Leadership Committee, this annual grant program supports K–12 agricultural literacy projects. The fund provides up to $1,000 for innovative educational initiatives that help students better understand the nation’s food, fiber and fuel systems.
“Thanks to these grants, communities can explore new and creative ways to help people understand agriculture,” said Lynn Black, director of education for Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom. “Farm Bureaus work closely with schools and local organizations to offer resources that help children learn about the many facets of agriculture and why it matters in everyday life.”
In 2024, Chesterfield County Farm Bureau was one of five county Farm Bureaus in the U.S. to receive a grant to expand educational outreach about Chesterfield’s poultry sector. The county Farm Bureau Women’s Committee partnered with their local Virginia Cooperative Extension to purchase a customizable “poultry photo op” trivia and photo board. The display is used to educate families about a variety of poultry topics like chicken development, hatching, by-products and more.
CC-JC-NK-York County Farm Bureau’s award expanded agricultural programming for the 2023-2024 school year. The Women’s Committee purchased various agriculture- and commodity-themed children’s books from the AFBF Agricultural Literacy library. The books were donated to a nonprofit community food pantry that pairs a food-appropriate themed book to each food donation box going to homes with school-aged children.
In 2023, the Franklin County Farm Bureau’s Women’s Committee used the funds to purchase a 3D EnviroScape® model that illustrates the role conservation efforts play in protecting watersheds and wetlands. Committee members visit county schools and use the model to demonstrate the role farmers play in protecting the environment while growing food.
County and state Farm Bureaus are eligible to apply, and each may submit one grant application per area they represent. Projects must emphasize agricultural literacy.
The 2026-27 applications are due June 12. Applications will be reviewed nationally, and selected applicants will submit final project reports in July 2027.
Submit an application for consideration, or visit agfoundation.org.
