The Robert J. Meyer Organic Farming Scholarship was established in memory of Robert J. Meyer, founder of an Organic Farm in Tenino, WA. Through the years, Robert was a mentor and friend to young farmers interested in the field of organic farming; dreaming of infusing his vision of provision of healthy, organic foods into communities.
Robert and Patricia Meyer started gardening and farming on a small scale in St. Paul, MN. They enjoyed and found it necessary to grow more healthy food for family and friends. In addition to raising food, Robert worked for a National labor union based out of MN. When he was transferred to Washington state, the family moved to Lacey where they continued their food raising interests by gardening a 60x80ft plot. Eventually, and in addition to their personal garden, the Meyer Family farmed 10-15 acres in Tenino, WA. Travelling to and from Tenino, WA and Lacey, WA, the family tilled, planted and harvested the food produced from 10 acres of the Tenino farm, by hand. Retiring from his work with the union organization, Robert joined Patricia full time at the Tenino farm where they built a house and continued to fulfill Robert’s vision. In 1978, The Meyer’s began selling their farm-raised produce at The Olympia Farmer’s Market; the popularity of which resulted in an increase in farm crew. Due to Robert’s invincible vision, an ethic of hard work and determination of the family, the now named Stoney Plains Farm in Tenino WA has become a large and successful operation.
Since Robert’s passing, and through the Meyer family’s wish to continue Robert’s vision, this scholarship was established through the Friends of the Olympia Farmer’s Market ( FOFM). This scholarship is intended to grant undergraduate college funds providing local students, whom have similar interests as Robert J. Meyer, the wherewithal to study organic farming. Funds for this scholarship have been accumulated via donations from the community, the Meyer family and FOFM.
Through this scholarship, the Meyer Family desires to keep Robert’s vision alive by assisting an aspiring college student in their pursuit of the study of fields related to Organic Farming. We are proud to offer assistance to individuals passionate about similar interests.
If your student, or a student you know, is interested in a vision similar to Robert’s, the study of organic farming, and is a resident of Thurston, Lewis or Mason County, or attends High School in Elma or Montesano—-we are proud and honored to help them fulfill their dream by assisting with their college tuition.
The requirements for the Robert J. Meyer Scholarship include the following: that the applicant:
- currently be a resident of Thurston, Lewis, or Mason County OR attends high school in Elma or Montesano
- intend to enroll in a higher education institution in the state of Washington
- be entering a field that is directly related to the field of Organic Farming
- fill out the Scholarship Application completely – Submission Deadline- April 30.
- attend a personal interview with the Scholarship Committee
Upon receipt of the application the Robert J. Meyer Scholarship Committee will review the applicants, invite applicants for a personal interview, and then give recommendations to the Board of the Friends of the Olympia Farmer’s Market ( FOFM) to approve and fund the applicants.
We look forward to receiving your students’ application and hearing the personal stories of people who are interested in fields directly related to Organic Farming!
If you have any questions about the scholarship, requirements, or interview please contact us.