TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — A nearly $1.2 million Economic Development Administration

(EDA) grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has been awarded

to Ivy Tech Community College Wabash Valley’s Precision Agricultural Technology

Center program.

 

The precedent-setting award was announced by U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.),

who wrote a letter in support of the campus’ application to the DOC. The largest grant ever received by the Wabash Valley region’s ag program will “allow

the college to renovate property already owned by Ivy Tech at the southern Vigo County Industrial Park, for use by the Precision Ag Equipment Center of Excellence,” said Jonathan Weinzapfel, Ivy Tech Wabash Valley/Southwest region chancellor.

 

“This program provides training in geospatial technology related to crop planting, fertilization, harvesting and other farming operations.”

 

Weinzapfel noted the project will strengthen Indiana’s position as a global leader

in workforce development, job creation and workplace advancement for the ag

industry.

 

According to Becky Miller, the campus’ executive director of resource development,

the grant complements the already-secured $1.2 million match from the college, its foundation, manufacturing and production leaders, local farmers and

business partners.

 

“Our main purpose of the 26,000 square feet Center of Excellence is to better accommodate the Precision Ag program and its students,” she said. “We know from our research for the program that the need is real for such workforce training. The

EDA grant goes a long way to making sure the students have the equipment and

training they need.”

 

Twelve students are currently enrolled in the program. According to a recent study from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, agricultural business in Indiana contributes more than $44 billion to the state’s economy each year and supports nearly 190,000 Hoosier jobs.