America’s Farmers making a positive impact in Illinois
Farmer Enrollment going on now for the Grow Communities Monsanto Fund

[August 22, 2015]   ST. LOUIS (August 19, 2015) – America’s Farmers Grow Communities will partner again with farmers to award more than $3.3 million to community nonprofits across the country. In Illinois, 97 organizations will receive donations in 2016. Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the program’s purpose is to make a positive impact in rural communities by giving farmers a chance to direct $2,500 donations to eligible nonprofit organizations of their choice. Farmer enrollment for Grow Communities is going on now through Nov. 30, 2015.

Since the program’s inception, farmers have directed donations to help fire departments purchase equipment and complete training, send FFA and 4-H groups to contests and conventions, provide food pantries with meals to serve those in need and boost agriculture curriculum in rural school districts. Other beneficiaries of the program have included health care organizations, youth and community centers, state parks and economic development programs, among many others.

“Thanks to the participation of farmers from across the country, more than 7,000 nonprofit organizations have received donations through Grow Communities in the past five years,” said Deborah Patterson, Monsanto Fund president. “We are excited to team up with farmers once again to help support the causes that mean the most to them and strengthen rural America.”

Illinois farmers can enroll in the program and find a complete list of program rules and eligibility information at www.GrowCommunities.com or by calling 877-267-3332 toll-free. Program winners will be announced in January. Follow Grow Communities’ new Facebook page to learn more about the program and connect with past winners at facebook.com/AmericasFarmersGrowCommunities.

America’s Farmers Grow Communities is part of the America’s Farmers initiative. Since 2010, the America’s Farmers campaign and programs have advocated on behalf of farmers and their efforts to meet society’s needs through agriculture. Today, consumers are more interested than ever in agriculture and how food is grown. Farmers and others in the industry are joining in on the conversation to help raise awareness about agriculture and share their stories with their communities. Learn more atcfiengage.org.

About America’s Farmers

The America’s Farmers campaign highlights the importance of modern US Agriculture through communications and community outreach programs that partner with farmers to impact rural America. The outreach programs include:

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

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

• America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders gives students pursuing a career in agriculture the opportunity to earn a $1,500 scholarship towards their education.
   

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

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

About the Monsanto Fund

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

[Amy Erlandson, OsbornBarr]