The Corriher-Lipe Middle FFA Chapter has been awarded a $10,748 program improvement grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. These funds will be used to create a hydroponic farm to table experience and a staff salad subscription service. Students in the 8th Grade Exploring Food and Agricultural Products course will be the leaders in developing the “Feeding the Future Through Hydroponics” program. 

During its 2023 grant cycle, the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission awarded a grant valued at more than $300,000 to the North Carolina FFA Foundation for the North Carolina Agricultural Education Program Improvement Grant. A total of 20 grants, valued up to $15,000 each, have been awarded to FFA Chapters across North Carolina. Enhancing agricultural teaching programs, developing innovative projects and purchasing much-needed classroom equipment are just some of the goals of the programs.

North Carolina FFA is a youth organization of more than 36,000 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture, with more than 360 local chapters across the state.  

“These grants provide valuable resources for agricultural education programs to enhance instruction, giving our students the skills necessary for success in the 21st century,” said State Agricultural Education Leader Joshua Bledsoe. “We are extremely grateful to the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission for sharing our vision and creating tremendous opportunities for students throughout the state.” 

The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission was created in 2000 by the N.C. General Assembly to administer part of the funds from the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) between the state and major tobacco companies. Since then, the agency has funded over 100 different projects which have touched nearly all N.C. farmers.

“We’re excited to be a partner with the FFA,” said William Upchurch, executive director of the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. “This is a great opportunity for students and teachers to feature innovative and creative projects designed to strengthen Agricultural Education. These students represent the future of agriculture in North Carolina.” 

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Go to www.ncffa.org for more information.