“We are proud to support organizations in communities where our growers live and work,” says Andy Finkral, ACH Seeds Sales Leader. “When local communities thrive, everyone benefits. Homegrown Giving empowers and strengthens organizations in those areas that are working to make real impacts while also enhancing the future of agriculture.”
Nominees met the criteria of serving and promoting the agriculture industry in their rural communities. Winners were determined by a collaborative panel of local growers, industry representatives, and ACH Seeds sales team members. Nominations were judged within their respective regions based on organizational need, fit with ACH Seeds services and values, and the organization’s potential benefit to the ag industry.
Six organizations were selected to receive $10,000 from the 2023 Homegrown Giving program, one per production region. The funds will be used to support a variety of projects and efforts to enhance the quality of life across these communities:
- Cass City Public Schools (Cass City, Michigan): Sustaining a school-based Class A CDL training program to help address the high demand for CDL drivers in the agriculture industry.
- Declo High School FFA (Declo, Idaho): Improving the current school plant science education area and purchasing tools for shop classes to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities.
- Gering High School FFA & Ag Career Pathway (Gering, Nebraska): Constructing a new facility to further educational opportunities in food systems and provide produce for a farm-to-school program.
- Huntley Project Schools FFA & Ag Department (Worden, Montana): Promoting trade careers, such as welding, by providing tools and equipment needed for agriculture and construction courses.
- Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Schools FFA Alumni (Kerkhoven, Minnesota): Enhancing class offerings and providing additional resources to expand crop plots for student learning.
- West Central Area Schools FFA (Barrett, Minnesota): Expanding agricultural equipment and supplies to produce and donate wholesome food to local community members in need.
ACH Seeds will continue to build its investment in rural communities by propelling the Homegrown Giving program into 2024. Six $10,000 awards will once again be promoted for eligible organizations in the communities, townships, and counties customers call home. Local growers and community members alike can nominate an organization for a chance to receive one of the awards.
For additional information on the Homegrown Giving program and how to make a difference in your hometown, visit the ACH site.
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