JASPER — The Hamilton County FFA was awarded one of eight grants from Tractor Supply Company handed out to Florida chapters to build or enhance sustainable educational projects.

The Hamilton FFA received a $3,600 grant for its “Our Comprehensive” project. Total, $23,000 was raised to fund the projects in Florida. Nationwide, Tractor Supply’s third annual Grants for Growing program is handing out $830,000 for 271 grants.

“Grants for Growing not only allows us to invest in Florida communities, but also invest in Florida youth who are the future of the agriculture industry,” said Christi Korzekwa, senior vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply, in a release. “This program gives students hands-on learning experience as they watch their ideas turn their communities into stronger, more sustainable places.”

Between Jan. 10 and Feb. 14, FFA received nearly 600 applications from FFA chapters across the country detailing how they would start or expand a unique and sustainable project.

Coinciding with National FFA Week, Tractor Supply hosted a 10-day in-store fundraising event nationwide, which offered shoppers the opportunity to donate at checkout in support of the program. The fundraiser collectively raised a record-breaking $830,000 for THE National FFA Foundation.

Since the program’s start in 2016, Grants for Growing has raised more than $2.2 million for the National FFA Organization. In total, the initiative has funded 994 grants supporting projects involving more than 103,000 students.

Locally, the grant will be used for the Hamilton FFA’s science-based project that teaches the high school and middle school science students and ag students (who are in a Biotech program) about concepts such as genetics, nutrient recycling, aquaculture, hydroponics and more.

The project is used to teach students core science concepts with hands-on activities as well as research opportunities in the above areas. The grant will allow the Hamilton FFA to expand and support the program.

The most rewarding aspect of the program, according to FFA adviser Doug Clayton, is that the surplus eggs, produce and chickens are donated to local outreaches and individuals. The chapter also raises and sells the produce to provide an annual $1,000 scholarship fund and to help maintain the project in future years.

Clayton said the goal is for the program to be self-sustaining.