CFFO Scholarships Offer $10,000 to Support Youth in Agriculture

The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario is now accepting applications for the 2021 CFFO Scholarship Program. The purpose of the program is to encourage the pursuit of higher education in students who want to study agriculture and related fields.

Solid academic training is foundational for future leaders in any field, and the CFFO believes that it has a duty to support the development of future leaders in Ontario agriculture. That’s why the CFFO has offered scholarships since 2012.

Beginning in 2020, however, CFFO increased its scholarship program to $10,000 annually, now offering four $2,500 scholarships in total. Eligible candidates must be the children or grandchildren of CFFO members and be registered full-time in an agriculture and agri-food related program in Ontario.

“There is a tremendous need for young people in this industry,” says Ed Scharringa, president of the CFFO. “We want to help open opportunities for the new generation of farmers, crop researchers, veterinarians and more.”

In addition to submitting an application form and transcripts, applicants are also asked to write an essay explaining why they want to pursue an agriculture-related career and how their faith informs their understanding of farming (or the related profession they plan to enter).

“It’s worth it,” says 2020 recipient Mike Griffioen, who now studies agriculture at the University of Guelph. “The CFFO scholarship was an awesome way to help fund my first year of university. I would highly recommend taking the effort to put in a submission.”

The deadline to apply is July 31, 2021. Applications are assessed by a select committee, including members of the CFFO Board of Directors. Further information can be found at christianfarmers.org/scholarship.