By NANCY VORIS
Indiana Correspondent

MORRISTOWN, Ind. — The demand for farm safety education for children has increased; unfortunately, funding for those programs is not keeping pace.

Without additional support more than 30,000 children and volunteers may not be able to participate in Safety Day programs in 2011.

Progressive Agriculture Safety Days, the largest rural safety and health educational program in North America, has grown steadily since 1995 when it was started by Progressive Farmer Magazine. The events are designed to make farm and ranch life safer and healthier for children through education and training.

In 2009, more than 90,000 rural youth and adults participated in Safety Day events. For 2011, requests have been received for nearly 490 Safety Days reaching 138,850 children.

This growth means demand for the program is outpacing available funding by 25 percent.

Maranda Bowles is the Morristown Community Safety Day coordinator for Bunge North American, a top national sponsor of the program. Her event is in its fourth year as part of the town’s Derby Days in July.

“It is becoming part of the town’s tradition,” Bowles said. “This year we had over 100 kids participate.”

A couple dozen Bunge North American employees volunteer for the day to teach sessions such as bike safety, chemical safety, utility safety, farm equipment safety, water safety and “home alone.” The topics vary each year and are designed to be hands-on and fun for the kids.

Funds are solicited from area businesses, creating a team approach in an effort to keep kids safe in a farming community.

“Children encounter dangerous situations on the farm and at home on a daily basis,” Bowles explained. “Community programs like the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day provide a valuable outlet for people like myself to get involved.”

Safety Days are designed to be reach children ages 8-13, though it can be tailored to younger children or even families.

“The material the program offers allows us to educate children in a fun and engaging way about harmful situations they could face, and what they can do to prevent them,” Bowles said. “If we can save even one life, it’s more than worth it.”

Though contributions have increased from both new and long-standing supporters, more than $400,000 in additional contributions is needed to fulfill 2011 requests. The cost of each child attending a Safety Day is $13.

Anyone can become a supporter of the Foundation, and donations are tax deductible.

Individuals and organizations interested in contributing are encouraged to visit www.progressiveag.org or call 888-257-3529.