Three Texas County groups were among the 22 across the state awarded grants from the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s 2016 Building Our American Communities grant program.
FFA chapters in Houston and Cabool as well as God’s Clover Patch, a 4-H group in Cabool, were each awarded $600 toward their projects.
“It is essential that we continue to cultivate a strong passion for agriculture in our young people,” said Richard Fordyce, director of agriculture. “Missouri FFA and 4-H youth continually demonstrate leadership and generosity and their work on these projects inspires me. I congratulate each of the participating organizations and thank them for raising their hand and making a difference in their community.”
The Building Our American Communities program has supported youth projects since the 1970s. Each year, youth organizations throughout Missouri submit proposals for consideration for the grants, which range from $100-500 and support specific projects within each community. The grants are funded through Missouri’s Agriculture Development Fund under an agreement with the USDA.
4-H clubs and FFA chapters awarded grants this year must complete their projects no later than Sept. 1.