Nov 7, 2023Pecan grower G&R Farms FFA program raises record funds
G&R Farms is celebrating the success of a charitable program that helps encourage youth to enter agricultural careers.
The Growing America’s Farmers (GAF) program provides scholarships and grants for Future Farmers of America (FFA) students nationwide. G&R created the program which has successfully raised more than $50,000 for FFA scholarships.
Funds are generated from a portion of the proceeds from G&R Farms’ Vidalia onions sold at participating retailers during the promotion period. GAF was established to invest in the future of agriculture by providing financial support to FFA students, helping them pursue their educational and career goals in production agriculture.
The new monies add to a seven year $400,000 total dollars raised. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the company’s commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders,” G&R officials said in a news release. The Growing America’s Farmers is a program close to the hearts of the G&R Farms team, according to a news release.
This year’s success was made possible through collaboration with 10 regional and national retailers that joined forces with G&R Farms to support the program and raise awareness of the men and women who grow America’s food. Their dedication to this initiative is a testament to the agricultural community’s commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring the future of the farming and ranching industry, according to the release.
Sam’s Club was one of the many regional and national retailers that supported the promotion and the retailers’ sales helped contribute more than $16,000 to the cause.
“We are thrilled to have raised over $50,000 this year for FFA students through our GAF program,” Blake Dasher, G&R Farms’s CEO, said in the release. “It’s truly heartwarming to witness the support and commitment of our retail partners who help us achieve our goals and played a significant role in the success of this program. These funds will go a long way in empowering the next generation of farmers.”
For more information about G&R Farms and the Growing America’s Farmers program, visit grfarmsonions.com.
G&R began in 1945 and grows conventional and organic sweet onions as well as pecans and other crops. In addition to sweet onions and pecans, the third-generation family farm also grows peanuts, field corn, soybeans, hay, wheat and rye on more than 5,000 acres and operates a 1,500 cow-calf beef herd operation.
