AgStar Accepting Applications to Support Agricultural and Rural Interests

The AgStar Fund for Rural America, the corporate giving program of AgStar Financial Services, is once again accepting grant applications to support agricultural and rural interests in Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.

Grants are available of up to $10,000 per organization for programs specifically benefiting farmers and rural residents. According to fund administrator Jody Bloemke, applicants can request funding in one of four focus areas: Education, Environment, Technology or Quality of Life.

"The AgStar Fund continually searches for organizations that provide an essential service to farmers and rural areas," said Bloemke. "Since the Fund was created in 2001, we have awarded over $300,000 in grants to organizations in our service area that support rural America."

Bloemke encourages those seeking funding to visit agstar.com to learn more about the AgStar Fund and obtain guideline criteria. Grant applications can be completed online and will be accepted through November 30, 2004. Grant recipients will be notified in March 2005.

AgStar Financial Services, ACA, headquartered in Mankato, Minn., operates primarily in Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin and is owned by more than 12,000 stockholders. AgStar also provides financing on a regional and national basis to a broad range of businesses and is part of the Farm Credit System.

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