Agriculture Literacy Classroom grants up to $250 available for sparking hands-on learning 

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Nov. 12, 2026 – Iowa teachers have an opportunity to bring new agricultural learning experiences into their classrooms with grant funding. The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) is helping educators bring agriculture from the farm to the classroom through its Agriculture Literacy Teacher Supplement Grant program. These Farm to Classroom Ag Literacy Grants of up to $250 per project, provide support for creative lessons and hands-on learning experiences that connect agriculture to everyday subjects.

Whether students are exploring plant life cycles, calculating crop yields, investigating food production, or learning about Iowa’s agricultural history, the grants help teachers use agriculture to make classroom learning relevant and engaging. 

The program supports new projects and the expansion of existing lessons that integrate agriculture into science, math, language arts, and social studies. Grant funds can be used to purchase books, classroom resources, educational kits, and other materials, or to support guest speakers, field trips, and educational activities.

“Teachers have great ideas for connecting agriculture to what they’re already teaching, but finding the resources to make those ideas happen can be a challenge,” said Kelly Foss, IALF Executive Director. “These grants help turn those ideas into classroom experiences that strengthen students’ understanding of agriculture and its connections to their everyday lives.”

Last year, IALF awarded 118 Teacher Supplement Grants in 50 Iowa counties, supporting agricultural learning experiences for more than 7,100 students.

Eligible applicants include Pre-K-12 teachers, school librarians, qualifying after-school programs, and Homeschool Assistance Programs (HSAP). 

Applications are due November 29, 2026. Grant-funded projects will take place during the winter/spring 2027 semester.

The Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher Supplement Grant Program is offered by IALF with support from its partner organizations and supporters, including the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF). 

Educators can review program guidelines, explore examples of previously funded projects, and apply online at: https://www.iowaagliteracy.org/tools-resources/general/grants.          

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About the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation
IALF serves as a central resource for all K-12 educators, inspiring the teaching of science, math, social studies, language arts, nutrition, and career and technical education through the lens of agriculture. The mission is to educate Iowans, with a focus on youth, regarding the breadth and global significance of agriculture. IALF believes it is important for all Iowans to understand the essential role agriculture has in their lives. Through Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) efforts, IALF serves as the state representative for the National AITC Organization and collaborates with the Iowa AITC network including County AITC programs engaging with teachers and students across Iowa’s 99 counties.   

IALF’s statewide initiatives are supported by agricultural stakeholders, including the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Turkey Federation, Corteva Agriscience, GROWMARK, Nutrien, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, National Agriculture in the Classroom, and others dedicated to strengthening agriculture literacy among Iowa’s educators and students. For more information visit IALF online at www.IowaAgLiteracy.org.