Australia
February 17, 2015
Thirty community initiatives in cotton-growing towns across Queensland and New South Wales have been awarded a total of $150,000 in grants by the Monsanto Fund in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).
After receiving more than 150 nominations for the Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities program, FRRR has selected 30 nominations made by cotton farmers in support of not-for-profit initiatives that will make a big difference in their local communities. Recipients will each receive a $5,000 grant.
FRRR Chief Executive, Alexandra Gartmann, said cotton growers responded positively to the grants program, with the number of nominations received exceeding expectations.
“The Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities initiative provides a way for cotton growers to give back to the towns that support them, through prosperous and tough times. From the response we saw to this program, it’s clear that cotton farmers were keen to recognise good work being done by their local communities and obtain additional support for key projects,” Ms Gartmann said.
“Many cotton farmers and their communities have been under pressure in recent times, particularly with dry conditions in Queensland and parts of New South Wales. This grants program is an easy way for growers to give back to the towns that support them.”
Cotton Australia Chief Executive, Adam Kay, said the $150,000 in community grants would be a welcome lift for many towns.
“It’s small but important community projects like the ones this initiative has recognised that bring our cotton growing communities together,” Mr Kay said.
“Every town has organisations and volunteers who are essential to its community spirit, and it is that community spirit that cotton farmers can rely on when the going gets tough. Giving a helping hand to these organisations is a great way to give our communities a boost.”
Monsanto Fund representative Adam Blight said the initiative had demonstrated how passionate cotton farmers are about their communities.
“Farmers and their towns rely on each other, so keeping cotton communities strong helps keep growers strong,” Mr Blight said.
“This program is about giving back to those communities and recognising the positive impact they have, not just for farmers, but everyone who is a part of cotton growing towns across Queensland and New South Wales.
“It has been fantastic to partner with the FRRR and cotton growers on this very worthwhile program, which recognises the importance of Australian agricultural communities.”
For more details on Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities, visit www.aussiecottonfarmers.com.au.
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