The Georgia Farm Bureau is currently accepting applications for agricultural scholarships for the 2012-2013 school year. Applications are due by February 24, 2012. In order to qualify, applicants must currently be high school seniors who are planning on entering the University of Georgia system or Berry College. In addition, they must plan on pursuing an undergraduate degree in an agricultural field, such as agricultural or environmental science.

 The Georgia Farm Bureau will distribute over $14,000 to ten qualified seniors. The top three applicants will receive $3,000 divided between their first two years of college. The remaining several recipients will receive a onetime scholarship of $750.

Georgia farm officials are encouraging students to apply. “I would like to encourage any high school seniors in our county who are planning to pursue a degree in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences, or a related agricultural field to consider applying for the Farm Bureau Scholarship,” said Casey, Polk County Farm Bureau president.

This scholarship is the latest in a series of efforts by farm organizations across the country to encourage young people to enter the agricultural industry. Collectively, farming is an increasingly graying profession, with the average age of farmers steadily increasing.

In an effort to encourage younger people to enter farming, some states have offered tax credits and tax breaks to young farmers, while other have offered grants and favorable loans to young people entering the profession.

To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting .   

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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer