WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded a $570,327 grant to the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) for hands-on training, farm viability, and land access support for new Ohio farmers. 

“This investment will help the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association expand their reach, so that they can continue helping new Ohio farmers prepare and manage their own farm business,” Brown said.

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s award will address educational, skill-building, and service needs of new and beginning farmers to enhance their ability to acquire land, be successful as producers, and manage viable farm businesses.

AFRI is NIFA’s flagship competitive grant program and was established under the 2008 Farm Bill. AFRI supports work in six priority areas: plant health and production and plant products; animal health and production and animal products; food safety, nutrition and health; renewable energy, natural resources and environment; agriculture systems and technology; and agriculture economics and rural communities.

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