Hydroponic Farming Grants
Hydroponic farming grants are designed to promote and encourage new practitioners and advancement of the science. Hydroponic farming grants in schools help to introduce kids to the wonders and benefits of hydroponics beginning in elementary, middle and high school. New career or hobby hydroponicists and new technology and techniques can only benefit the entire hydroponics industry---and, ultimately, all of us---in our quest for a sustainable future.
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Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
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According to SARE's website, it is a "competitive grants program providing grants to researchers, agricultural educators, farmers and ranchers, and students in the United States. SARE's national outreach office is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture. It operates under cooperative agreements with the University of Maryland and the University of Vermont ... to develop and disseminate information about sustainable agriculture." It incorporates four regional offices.
SARE provides research and education grants in amounts between $30,000 and $150,000 or more. The grants usually involve a cooperative effort among scientists, farmers and others.
An example of a recent hydroponics grant involved a project that looked at raising chemical-free produce and herbs outdoors and in a greenhouse environment for the Hispanic market using hydroponics and aquaponics in combination with experimental methods of pest control. Grants are awarded annually.
USDA-NIFA
Stop 2223
1400 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-2223
202-720-5384
sare.org
Simply Hydro School Grant Program
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The Simply Hydro School Grant Program provides hydroponics equipment and supplies to elementary, middle and high schools in Pasco and Pinellas Counties in Florida. The program, which has run for the last several years, awards equipment valued at $250 to elementary schools, $500 for middle schools and $750 for high schools. You must include a letter of support on official letterhead from your program director, principal or relevant administrator.
To be eligible for this grant program, schools must engage in a hydroponic project with at least 15 students between the ages of 6 and 18 during the school year and provide a written "year-end impact report." See the Resources section for further details.
Mail the completed application form along with your letter of support to:
Simply Hydroponics School Grant Program
c/o Simply Hydroponics Inc.,
7949 Ulmerton Rd.
Largo, Fl 33771
simplyhydro.com
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Hooked on Hydroponics Awards
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The Hooked on Hydroponics Awards provide hydroponics equipment and supplies to 36 elementary, middle and high schools in the United States. The program, which has run for the last several years, awards hydroponics grow systems, reference books and curricula.
The program is open to schools and youth organizations in the United States planning to engage in a hydroponics project with at least 15 children between the ages of 6 and 18 during the school year. You must also verify that your school has sufficient room and electrical capacity to house the equipment and implement the curriculum.
Allen Bednar, a Progressive Gardening Trade Association official and owner of Simply Hydroponics, says application forms and the mailing address will be available on the website as the application period each year opens. Click the link in the Resources section for more details.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Butter lettuce image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
