HUNTINGTON, Ind. (WOWO): First Farmers Bank & Trust has given Huntington University a gift of $5,000 and have pledged future gifts totaling $20,000 to fully endow a scholarship for the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies by the end of 2018.

The Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies at Huntington University promotes a Christian perspective on agriculture, which recognizes a responsibility to be good stewards of God's creation and to examine questions of sustainability and justice. 

The program is intended to meet the growing need for agribusiness professionals and is anticipated to include concentrations in business innovation and entrepreneurship, communication and public policy, crop production, agricultural education, and ministry and missions.

“With our roots heavily invested in the agricultural industry, it seemed like a natural fit to promote and support the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies,” said Mark Wolf, First Farmers Bank & Trust Senior Vice President. “Developing new talent in the agricultural sector will be paramount in maintaining the competitive advantage the United States has in producing food and fiber for our world.  We are pleased and consider it a privilege to partner with Huntington University in this mission.”