PITTSTON -- The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has opened the application period for funding from the Agricultural and Rural Youth Organization Grant Program for 2001. Grant applications are being accepted at Room 310, Department of Agriculture, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110 from September 25 to December 1, 2000.

The program, funded through the Rural Rehabilitation Corporation Assets, encourages projects which increase knowledge and awareness of agricultural issues and other issues specific to rural areas within PA. The educational effort is directed toward the youth of the Commonwealth.

For this particular application year, the grant program will award direct grants of up to $2500. No matching grants will be offered.

Application forms are available by contacting a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Regional Office or the State Office in Harrisburg. Region III, the Northeast region, is headed by Russell Gunton, Route 92 South, PO Box C, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.