GENEVA, Ala. – (WDNews) HudsonAlpha Wiregrass has launched a new program aimed at inspiring the next generation of agricultural innovators in Alabama. The START Ag Entrepreneurship Program — short for Students Transforming Agriculture through Research and Technology — is designed to help high school students turn science-based ideas into real-world agricultural solutions.
The program, led by Alabama Power and supported by Wiregrass RC&D and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, will debut this fall in Geneva County and Geneva City Schools.
START gives 9th–12th grade FFA students a chance to explore how science and technology can improve the way farmers grow and sustain crops. Students will form teams, develop business ideas, and gain hands-on experience working with mentors in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Program milestones include:
Oct. 21 – Phase I assignments presented to FFA students.
Nov. 4 – Launch presentations; 15–20 teams advance to Phase II.
Nov. 14 – Deadline for Phase II submissions.
Nov. 19 – Review to select projects for Phase III.
Dec. 10 – Two teams from each school receive $300 in seed funding and mentorship.
Mar. 18 – START Agriculture Innovation Challenge, where teams present their final projects.
HudsonAlpha Wiregrass leaders say the goal is to build an ag-tech ecosystem that connects research, education, and entrepreneurship — all to strengthen Alabama’s agricultural future.
“The future of agriculture isn’t just coming; it’s growing here in the Wiregrass,” HudsonAlpha Wiregrass said in a statement.
To follow the progress of participating students and projects, visit HudsonAlpha Wiregrass on social media.
