Monsanto Company Makes Donation to Plant it Forward SC
South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner
Media Contact: Stephanie Sox, 803-734-1767, ssox@scda.sc.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 3, 2016
Monsanto Company Makes Donation to Plant it Forward SC
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Monsanto Company donated $25,000 to Plant it Forward South Carolina, an initiative by South Carolina Advocates for Agriculture, on February 1, 2016.
Plant it Forward SC will provide relief funds specifically for covering a portion of seed costs for 2016, as well as hay losses livestock farmers had because of the flood. Total agricultural losses from last October’s flood event are expected to exceed $500 million.
“To say South Carolina farmers are resilient is an understatement,” said James Hunt Bookhart, a district sales manager for Monsanto. “From drought to floods they dealt with some tough challenges in 2015, and as a resident of South Carolina I saw firsthand the devastating impact this storm had on local farms.”
Monsanto produces seeds for fruits, vegetables and other important crops including corn, soybeans and cotton – some of the crops that were most heavily impacted by the flood. They work to find sustainable solutions for soil health, help farmers use data to improve farming practices and conserve natural resources, and provide crop protection products to minimize damage from pests and disease. Through programs and partnerships, Monsanto collaborates with farmers, researchers, nonprofit organizations, universities and others to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.
“On behalf of South Carolina farmers, I cannot thank Monsanto enough for their generous donation to Plant it Forward SC. As an agricultural company, Monsanto understands the difficulties our farmers are currently facing, and their willingness to help is indicative of their commitment to the industry. Many farmers are facing unprecedented challenges, and this donation will help them continue in 2016,” said Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers.
For more information on Plant it Forward SC, or to make a donation, visit www.plantitforwardsc.org. Donations are being accepted through February 29, 2016.
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