$16K Awarded To Harford Co. Nonprofits For Ag Education

BEL AIR, MD — Four organizations in Harford County have received more than $16,500 in grants to help teach students and residents about farming, honeybees and the importance of agriculture.

Harford County leaders announced this week that they've awarded $16,531.65 through the fiscal year 2027 Agricultural Education and Outreach Grant Program. The funding will support classroom learning, interactive farm exhibits and educational resources for local beekeepers.

The grants are administered by the Harford County Department of Economic Development.

"Educating the next generation about agriculture is essential to preserving Harford County's farms," Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said. "These grants will help local organizations provide hands-on learning opportunities and strengthen agricultural education."

The four grant recipients are:

• Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation — $5,000: The organization will introduce indoor growing towers in Harford County high school classrooms through its Grow to Learn initiative. Funding will cover equipment, teacher training and support.
• Harford County Extension Advisory Council — $3,031.65: The money will pay for educational and safety signs at livestock exhibits during the Harford County Farm Fair. It also will help provide an interactive cow-milking activity for children attending the fair.
• Susquehanna Beekeepers — $5,000: The organization will expand educational exhibits and materials about honeybees and native bees while providing additional resources for local beekeepers.
• Harford County Public Schools — $3,500: The school system will expand its FFA Food for America program with 20 interactive agricultural learning stations expected to reach approximately 2,000 second-grade students.

The grant program is designed to help organizations introduce residents to agriculture and encourage young people to explore careers in farming and related industries.

Eligible organizations include schools, nonprofit groups and other established agricultural organizations. Funding can be used for agricultural education events, training, teaching materials and technology.