Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has announced the availability of garden kits for licensed early childcare education centers in North Dakota. The initiative is part of the North United States Department of Agriculture Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Award.
Goehring stated, “The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is seeking state licensed early childhood education centers interested in bringing this STEM learning opportunity into their classrooms. Students will learn about specialty crops and how they grow.”
Interested centers can apply for a garden kit by visiting https://www.ndda.nd.gov/gardenkit to access full details and submit an application electronically by Friday, February 28, 2025. Successful applicants will be informed by March 14, 2025.
Recipients will receive $400 to purchase necessary items such as plants, seeds, garden equipment, planting materials, lumber for raised beds or indoor hydroponic garden equipment. Additional resources and onsite educational opportunities are also included.
If applications are not funded by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, they will be reviewed by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services for potential funding.
Inquiries can be directed to Local Foods Marketing Specialist Jenna Nieters at 701-328-2659 or jnieters@nd.gov.
Teachers must utilize the kits and provide education to students by September 30, 2025.
