MATTHEWS, NC - The theme of partnerships runs strong on this Monday—and we’re happy to hear it! Harris Teeter recently worked alongside Virginia Produce Company to raise $18,000 for scholarship and grant funds for Future Farmers of America (FFA) students in Virginia through the Growing America’s Farmers (GAF) program.

“It’s so rewarding to see the growth of this program and celebrate the work of committed organizations like VA Produce and Harris Teeter, and their success proves what a blessing this program is to students pursuing careers in production agriculture,” commented GAF Founder Walt Dasher, Vice President of G&R Farms.

As a press release explained, over the past six years, the GAF program has already raised nearly $350,000 for FFA member scholarships throughout the United States.

“Our team at Harris Teeter is proud to support local growers such as G&R Farms and Virginia Produce Company to help further our mutual mission of advancing produce consumption, agriculture development, and the success of future generations of leaders. Harris Teeter is pleased to assist in providing access to our stores to enable and develop our FFA students into successful young adults, and to partner to provide resources to encourage the future generation of leaders to study agriculture locally,” remarked Karin Humanik, Director of Produce for Harris Teeter.

Harris Teeter is in its sixth year supporting the program and has helped raise funds totaling nearly $40,000 for students in Virginia and North Carolina.

Virgina Produce Company is more than happy to work alongside retailers like Harris Teeter.

“It was so rewarding to use our business to help invest in FFA members and know that we are helping them financially as they begin their studies in college,” Virginia Produce Company Chief Executive Officer Moir Beamer said. “With the challenges we’re all experiencing from the farm all the way down to the grocery store, the whole supply chain needs to support our agriculture students. They’re who will be growing the food we need to feed the future generations. These FFA students are some of the best and brightest and know they are our future…they will be our next farmers and ranchers and grow our food—they are truly shining stars.”

For six years, Growing America’s Farmers has continued to grow and recognize the importance of supporting the next generation of producers.

“These results show the power of combined efforts when companies work together for the same goal everybody wins. I can’t wait to welcome more grower/shippers and retailers into our program to secure the future of agriculture,” concluded Dasher.

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Virginia Produce Company Harris Teeter Growing America's Farmers