Agriculture education and training incorporate critical elements of farm safety. With constant advances in technology and changes in methodology, Farm Safety Education Grants help working farmers and ranchers gain knowledge of current farm safety, food safety, and environmental sustainability best practices.
What are Farm Safety Grants?
According to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farming can be a hazardous profession (9). The health, safety, and survival of farmers, ranchers, and their surrounding communities depends on an up-to-date understanding of proper safety practices and equipment use. Farm Safety Grants are designed to create education and training opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and their families. These Farm Safety Grants can fund a variety of programs, including Cooperative Extension Service programs, learning collaboratives, and youth.
Cooperative Extension Service Programs
According to NIFA, Cooperative Extension Service Programs provide farm workers and ranchers with training in equipment use and maintenance, as well as proper field practices and procedures. The Cooperative Extension System deploys county-based educators to work directly with local citizens on the use of changing technology, improved food safety practices, better emergency preparation, sound environmental practices, and more. The Cooperative Extension System works in regions across the U.S., in direct partnership with local universities and professors.
To learn about the Northeast Agriculture Education Association’s university grant recipients at Cornell University, Pennsylvania State University, and more, take a look at Past Northeast Agriculture Education Foundation Grantees.
Virtual Learning Collaboratives
For many farmers and ranchers, geography may be a direct barrier to educational access. This can create a challenge when it comes to the proliferation of up-to-date information on farm safety practices, health issues, and environmental concerns. According to the Rural Health Information Hub, virtual learning collaboratives funded by Farm Safety Grants are helping educators overcome these barriers (10). Online workshops, personal instruction, and training in farm safety practices and equipment use can help bring better farm safety practices to educationally underserved populations.
Youth Farm Safety Certification
Youth Farm Safety Education and Certification is especially valuable for students who are working toward careers in farming or agribusiness. Such certifications are typically carried out through universities directly affiliated with the Cooperative Extension System (CES). The National Institute of Food and Agriculture indicates that this education is geared toward youth
Learn about other opportunities made possible by Youth Agriculture Education Grants.
Apply Now
Or find out how you can apply for a Northeast Agriculture Education Foundation grant.
References
9. National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (2008). Farm Safety. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://nifa.usda.gov/program/farm-safety
10. RHIhub. (2020). Rural Agricultural Health and Safety—Funding Opportunities. Rural Health Information Hub. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/agricultural-health-and-safety/funding
