Students receive Monsanto funds to boost orchard project
Some teenagers might not be excited at the prospect of a new
mower, but San Benito High School senior Ryan Scagliotti sure
is.
He is the treasurer of the Future Farmers of America and he has
been working on maintenance at the school orchard all summer. The
orchard is about half an acre and has 64 trees.
Students receive Monsanto funds to boost orchard project
Some teenagers might not be excited at the prospect of a new mower, but San Benito High School senior Ryan Scagliotti sure is.
He is the treasurer of the Future Farmers of America and he has been working on maintenance at the school orchard all summer. The orchard is about half an acre and has 64 trees.
“I am actually [excited],” Scagliotti said during a break from class last week. “Disking is no fun. It’s hard work.”
Teacher Kelly Bianchi, who teaches ag classes and advises the FFA program, applied for an $8,100 grant from the Monsanto Fund, a private foundation that serves the philanthropic efforts of the Monsanto Company. Locally the Seminis Vegetable Seeds company in San Juan Bautista is part of the Monsanto Company.
The Monsanto Fund gives out nearly $1 million each year. This year they funded $655,00 in grants and gave an additional $140,000 to the United Way in their seed communities – towns where Monsanto has a site.
With a letter of support from Nancy Bergamini, the research and development station manager in San Juan, the grant was approved.
“This contribution recognizes the importance of Ag education and the significant impact it has on our community and the agriculture industry,” Bianchi said. “The FFA is pleased to team up with the Monsanto Fund to address the needs of our school farm’s 64-tree orchard.”
Bianchi and the students have recevied recent grants to rebuild the farm, but have not been able to focus on the orchard.
“With budget cuts grants are extremely important to get the equipment we need,” Bianchi said. “Parents are bringing in just the equipment to maintain it.”
The ultimate goal is to get all 64 trees producing so that the students can sell their produce at the Downtown Farmers’ Market during the summer. All but a few trees produced fruit this year.
That goal fits in directly with the goals of the Monsanto Fund. They accept grants that are focused on four areas: nutritional well being through agriculture; science education; the environment, which includes conservation, protection of biodiveristy, clean water and restoration of wildlife habitat; and improving the quality of life in the communities where Monsanto employees live and work.
“Monsanto is committeed to supporting the communities where we do business,” Bergamini said. “As a company focused 100 percent on agriculture, Monsanto is committed to investing in ag youth who represent the future of farming. We are proud to support the Hollister FFA and contribute to the success of our future agricultural leaders.”
Bianchi is looking at prices for the mower and once it is purchased, Bergamini said staff from Seminis/Monsanto will meet with the students to teach them about orchard safety.
In addition to the Monsanto grant, teacher Bianchi will receive the Honorary American FFA Degree during the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Oct. 22-25. The award is meant to recognize those who go above the requirements of FFA and make a long-term difference in the lives of their students.
