Source:  NC Pork Council, 6/7/10

North Carolina farmers have the opportunity to win awards to help community non-profit organizations that are dear to their hearts.  The awards are available through Monsanto Fund's America's Farmers Grow Communities ProjectSM, a new program being offered in select counties in California, Kansas, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and South Dakota. Through the program, farmers can enter to win the chance to direct $2,500 awards to local non-profit organizations that are important to them and their communities.

The program is intended to benefit non-profit community groups such as ag youth organizations, schools and other civic groups. Farmers can apply online at www.growcommunities.com or by calling 1.877.267.3332 to obtain an application.

"Farmers in North Carolina and across America work hard to feed, fuel and clothe our country and the world," said Brett Begemann, Monsanto Fund Chairman.  "But they are passionate about their local communities. That's why we created the America's Farmers Grow Communities Project.  From local FFA Chapters and 4-H Clubs to fire departments, community centers and schools, we're proud of the investments farmers are making through this program, and the lives that we will touch together."

Farmers, age 21 and over, who are actively engaged in farming a minimum of 250 acres of corn, soybeans and/or cotton, or 40 acres of open field vegetables, or at least 10 acres of tomatoes, peppers and/or cucumbers grown in protected culture,are eligible.  The application period runs May 1 through July 31, 2010.  The program is open to all qualifying farmers, and no purchase is necessary in order to enter or win.  In North Carolina, one winner will be drawn from each of the state's 43 participating counties. Monsanto Fund will announce winning farmers and recipient organizations that were chosen in August 2010.

"The America's Farmers Grow Communities project was originally launched as a pilot program by Monsanto Company in Iowa and select counties in Missouri and Arkansas in January 2010," said John Raines, Vice President of Customer Advocacy for Monsanto Company. "With more than 7,500 farmers participating and more than $500,000 benefitting non-profit groups in farming communities, we were very pleased with the program."  
 
About Monsanto Fund: 
The Monsanto Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company. Incorporated in 1964, the Fund's primary objective is to improve the lives of people by bridging the gap between their needs and their resources. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org/asp/welcome.asp.