Scholarship

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 sustainable 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 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 60′ x 80′ 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 farm is now named Stoney Plains Farm in Tenino, WA and 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 college tuition funds and supplement college costs to local individuals, who have a similar interest in organic and sustainable agriculture, as did Robert J. Meyer. In addition, applicants should have a commitment, the disposition and passion for gaining the knowledge, skills, and business & the technical aptitude that will result in making a contribution to improve South Puget Sound based sustainable organic agriculture system and ecosystem

Funds for this scholarship have been accumulated via donations from the community, FOFM partners and sponsors, the Meyer family and FOFM.

Through this scholarship, the Meyer Family desires to keep Robert’s vision alive by assisting individuals in pursuing their vision of a sustainable south sound region, through undergraduate and graduate educational pursuits. FOFM is proud to offer assistance to individuals passionate about pursuing educational studies in sustainable agriculture, organic farming, sustainable ecosystems or South Sound regional organic farming and ranching.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in a vision similar to Robert’s, the study of how to create and maintain sustainable, organic agriculture and farming/ranching in the south sound region of Western Washington state we are proud and honored to help them fulfill their dream by assisting with their educational tuition and/or costs.

The requirements for an applicant to the Robert J. Meyer Scholarship funds include the following:

A. Be a current resident of the Washington counties of Thurston, Lewis, or Mason or lives in or attends high school in Elma or Montesano

B. Intend to enroll in an education institution or engage in an educational opportunity which will be brought back to the South Puget Sound region of Western Washington state

C.  Desire to concentrate their education in one of the following a fields of study: agricultural sustainability, organic farming/ranching or sustainable ecosystems within the South Sound Region of Western Washington

  1. Fill out the scholarship application completely – submission deadline annually is- April 30.
  2. Upon receipt of the application the FOFM Robert J. Meyer Scholarship Committee will review the applicants, invite chosen 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 application and hearing your personal stories of why you are interested in a career in sustainability, sustainable organic agriculture, farming or ranching or sustainable ecosystems and contributing back to the South Puget Sound Region of Western Washington.

If you have any questions about the scholarship, requirements, or interview please contact us.

Previous Scholarship Thank You’s!

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2016 Scholarship Recipients