Left to right: Monsanto representative Doug Butler; Jim White; Jane White; and Dan Dean, of the fire department in New Holland

Logan County farmer supports New Holland Fire Protection District through America's Farmers Grow Communities

[February 21, 2014]  NEW HOLLAND — Local farmer Jane White has directed a $2,500 donation to the New Holland Fire Protection District. The donation, funded by America's Farmers Grow Communities, will be used to purchase personal protective equipment for department firefighters.

"I have known people involved with the fire department for years," said White. "They do a lot of fundraising, and I know they could use some new equipment. I hope the donation will help save lives."

America's Farmers Grow Communities works directly with farmers to support nonprofit organizations like the New Holland Fire Protection District that are doing important work in their communities. The program offers farmers the chance to win $2,500, which is then donated to the farmer's nonprofit of choice.

The search for funding to sustain and enhance programs is a year-round job for nonprofit organizations across the country. Through America's Farmers Grow Communities, farmers have been able to support a variety of groups, such as schools, fire departments, community centers and youth organizations such as 4-H and FFA. Thanks to the support of farmers across the country, more than $3.2 million is being directed to nonprofits in 1,289 counties in 39 states.

America's Farmers Grow Communities launched in 2010 and has since donated over $13 million to more than 5,200 nonprofit organizations across the country. Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the program is part of the America's Farmers initiative, which highlights and celebrates the important contributions farmers like Jane White make every day.

For a complete list of Grow Communities winners and more program information, visit growcommunities.com.

The America's Farmers campaign is an advocacy program celebrating U.S. farmers through communications, awards and special programs that highlight the importance of modern American agriculture.

America's Farmers initiatives include:

• America's Farmers Grow Communities, which supports rural communities by offering farmers the chance to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organization.

• America's Farmers Grow Rural Education, which supports rural education by offering farmers the chance to nominate local school districts, which can compete for a $10,000 or $25,000 merit-based grant to enhance math and science education.

• America's Farmers Mom of the Year, which celebrates women in agriculture by offering the chance to win up to $10,000 and the title of "National Farm Mom of the Year."

• America's Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, which launches this year in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina and South Carolina and aims to encourage the next generation to remain involved in agriculture by offering students the chance to apply for a $1,500 scholarship.

To learn more, visit America's Farmers at www.americasfarmers.com.

[Text from file received from the Monsanto Fund]

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Co., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.