FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 11, 2018

Contact: Michelle Olgers, Marketing & Communications Dept., 804-524-6964, molgers@vsu.edu

VSU’s Small Farm Outreach Program Receives $5,000 Donation

Colonial Farm Credit has donated $5,000 to Virginia State University’s (VSU) Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP). Paul Franklin Sr., CEO of Colonial Farm Credit, presented the check to SFOP Director William Crutchfield in December.

“We’re grateful to Mr. Franklin and his team for their generous contribution to the Small Farm Outreach Program,” Crutchfield said. “Contributions such as this go a long way to helping us achieve our educational, outreach and support goals in the community.”

“The Small Farm Outreach program is providing help to farmers at the right place and at the right time,” Franklin said. “While opportunities for small farm operations are improving with increasing consumer support of locally grown products, agriculture will always face unique risks. The educational programs offered through the Small Farm Outreach Program address areas critical to the success of small farmers, and we are proud to contribute to this initiative.”

Colonial Farm Credit’s donation will be used to provide continued support for the SFOP’s programs and services that assist Virginia's small, socially disadvantaged and veteran beginning farmers and ranchers. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.

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