in Cash for School Gardens: Arkansas 2026 Contest Opens

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Farm Credit, is now accepting entries for the annual Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest, and schools across the state are encouraged to get involved.

Gardening is such a great way to enjoy the outdoors and feel a sense of accomplishment when your garden grows healthy plants that yield fruit, vegetables, or flowers. I enjoy gardening, but wow to have an opportunity like this when I was in school? That would have been amazing!

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Schools eligible to apply include schools, early childhood education centers, and alternative learning environments that either had a school garden during the 2025–2026 school year or are planning to start one in 2026–2027.

Greg Cole, President and CEO of AgHeritage Farm Credit Services, said this program gives kids a hands-on experience where they will learn and see for themselves how agriculture plays an important role in everyone's lives.

Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward praised Farm Credit for their support in the program.

These hands-on learning experiences give students real opportunities to explore agriculture and nutrition. We’re grateful to Farm Credit for supporting a program that continues to grow stronger every year.

Deadline to enter and Cash Awards up for Grabs in Arkansas

Entries will be accepted through June 26, 2026, and winners will be announced in the fall 2026.

Schools can apply in several categories, including:

Best Start-Up School Garden Proposal – $500
Best Education-Based School Garden – $500
Best Harvest Partnership School Garden – $500
Best Community Collaboration School Garden – $500
Best Overall School Garden – $1,000
Champion of School Garden Sustainability – $1,000
Growing Strong Since 2014

The Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest started in 2014 and continues to grow each year.

With support from Farm Credit, the contest has recognized more than 70 school gardens statewide and awarded over $48,000 to help programs expand and thrive.

For more information or to apply, visit the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s website.