MONTEREY, CA – Greener Fields Together™, the sustainability and local produce initiative created by PRO*ACT, the produce supply-chain management company, has created a twofold judging process for its Cultivating Change competition. The new program allows local growers to apply for grants ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. Applications will be judged by a panel of industry leaders as well as an online voting and peer review process.
Applicants will be judged on the following criteria:
- The capacity to receive and manage grant funds responsibly and the skills and experience necessary to undertake the identified project.
- Demonstration that thoughtful consideration is being given to the technical challenges of the project.
- A compelling plan for how the project will impact the business or operation and/or that of the community.
- A comprehensive budget that demonstrates financial prudence.
Farms applying for a grant will submit statements about their company and the program they wish to have funded. These will be posted online at www.cultivatingchange.org. There will be five winners of $3,000 grants, five of $5,000 grants and two of $10,000 grants. The top two awards will be determined by an industry panel. Peers, including people associated with each farm, distributors and PRO*ACT members; will vote online for their favorite local farm. Those farms receiving the greatest amount of votes will win the additional awards.
The industry review panel includes:
- Nova Sayers | NSF | Business Development – Global Food Division
- Johnna Hepner | PMA | Director Food Safety & Technology
- James Barham, Ph.D | USDA Rural Development | Agricultural Economist
- Jim Ebersold CSW CSS| Purchasing Manager | Ted’s Montana Grill
- JoAnne Berkenkamp | Tomorrow’s Table LLC | President
- Glenda Yoder | Associate Director |Farm Aid
The final date for applications is November 30, 2015. Grant winners will be announced on January 6, 2016. For more information and complete rules, visit www.cultivatingchange.org/rules.
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About Greener Fields Together: Greener Fields Together is a collaboration of environmentally responsible parties, including farmers, distributors and foodservice operators, who have come together to make steady, measurable improvements in sustainability and food safety practices through all levels of the produce supply chain.
About PRO*ACT: PRO*ACT is North America’s leading distributor of fresh food to the foodservice and retail industries, sourcing from premier national, regional and local farmers. PRO*ACT streamlines the produce supply chain, offering significant cost benefits and an easy, one-call solution to source the freshest produce from more than 70 third-party inspected, independently owned, local distribution centers across the United States and Canada. PRO*ACT provides category cost management through commodity contract pricing, in-house consultation services and integrated produce program distribution management.
Source: PRO*ACT
