INDIANAPOLIS, IN.  October, 2019/National FFA Organization) – The Fannin Middle  FFA chapter in Blue Ridge, GA has been awarded $4800 as part of the Grants for Growing program. The nationwide program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, provides grant funds to local FFA chapters to support the development or improvement of agricultural education projects that enhance the classroom experiences for students through chapter engagement activities.

Fannin Middle FFA plans to improve the quality of our greenhouse by adding more fans, drip irrigation, and overhead irrigation. We are also in need of a shed to store all of our pots, tools, and soil so that we can maximize our space for production.  We will be growing fall and spring annuals, perennials, and eventually woody ornamentals. We look forward to having a spring plant sale whereas the community of Fannin County will be invited. One way that the community can help is to donate cuttings of healthy, disease and insect free perennials and or woody ornamentals to add to their collection for plant identification and propagation. Please contact Cherie White, Agriculture teacher at FCMS, in order to donate cuttings.

The program provided approximately $907,000 to FFA chapters in 49 states. Funding is provided through consumer donations made during checkout at a Tractor Supply Company store by purchasing a $1 FFA Paper Emblem. The fundraising period aligns with National FFA Week in February.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 669,989 student members who belong to one of 8,630 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 459,514 alumni members in 2,236 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.