Now in its third year, Ohio Farm Bureau has opened applications for the Growing Tomorrow Grant, a program offering up to $100,000 to support innovative agricultural business ideas and projects led by Ohio’s next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs. The Growing Tomorrow Grant program provides grants to new or early-stage agricultural businesses.
Grants will focus on supporting, among other activities:
By funding creative and transformative agricultural solutions, the Growing Tomorrow Grant aims to help young farmers, strengthen public understanding of agriculture, and ensure the sustainability and vitality of agricultural communities for generations to come. The 2025 recipients, Nathan and Jill Parriman of Clover Valley Farm, are using the grant toward long-term diversification efforts on their farm and strengthening their local community.
“Ohio Farm Bureau and our foundation have long been focused on creating opportunities for our young agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs, and as agriculture faces a long list of challenges, the grant helps these young leaders use their skills to address these challenges and generate a deeper understanding of farming to our consumers and communities,” said Kelly Burns, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation executive director.
Who is eligible?
Young professionals and entrepreneurs who are looking to secure startup funds for a new business or seeking funds to enhance the impact of an existing business are encouraged to apply! Grant applicants should have a solid business plan and sustainable solution to one or more of the four challenges listed above.
What is the timeline to apply and receive the grant?
Applications must be submitted by July 31, 2026. The top three finalists will be notified in September 2026 and invited to present their business plan to a panel of judges. The grant recipients will be announced on December 11, 2026 at the Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. Grant funds will be awarded in January 2027.
Learn more
Please visit the Growing Tomorrow Grant webpage to learn more about the requirements of the grant as well as to access resources that include an overview of the application, financial templates and more. Questions can also be directed to the Wooster Farm Bureau office.
Lindsay Tournoux is the Organization Director serving Ashland, Medina, Summit and Wayne County Farm Bureaus
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ohio farmers can apply for Growing Tomorrow Grant
Reporting by Lindsay Tournoux, Special to the Times-Gazette / Ashland Times Gazette
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