Contact: Elizabeth Giannini                                                                                                                                                    

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
559.633.3215
elizabeth@plantfoundation.org

Visalia, Calif. -The PLANT Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching children science through agricultural examples, has been awarded a Specialty Crop Block Grant by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. This two-year project will produce a fresh and innovative approach to introducing the science of viticulture to students across the United States, with special emphasis on California grape production.

To be successful in a global economy, children must become fluent in the technologies revolutionizing our lives and work. Using modern educational technologies, including interactive video conferencing, streaming video, apps and games, the PLANT Foundation, through its Farm Academy programming, sharpens critical thinking skills as well.

“Giving kids the gift of critical thinking and understanding the world around them not only helps them to grow and thrive, but also ensures a sustainable future for our planet, its people, and its farmers,” saidPLANT Foundation Chairman Dino Giacomazzi.

Fowler Packing (Fresno, Calif.) is one of many companies that supports the PLANT Foundation’s grape production project. “The career awareness aspect of the program will encourage students to consider a career in agriculture, and in particular, the table grape industry,” said CEO Justin Parnagian. “The initiative will make them aware of the science, technology and education needed for these jobs. We are always searching for good employees, and believe this early awareness will produce a pipeline of educated, trained and enthusiastic employees.”

The California grape production grant is one of 83 projects funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in 2018, which awards grants ranging from $25,000 to $300,000. The selection process is a competitive one, and the PLANT Foundation is honored to be among those trusted to carry the message about the importance of California agriculture to the rest of the world.

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PLANT Foundation is a national non-profit organization formed to solve one of the most pressing issues facing agriculture today: how to interest the next generation of scientists, innovators and problem solvers in pursuing careers that will advance the agriculture industry. The PLANT Foundation launched Farm Academy in 2009 to create a connection between the science and technology of agriculture and the science and technology of everyday life for kids. Its programs lead to a future where students see opportunities in agricultural careers, becoming the innovators of tomorrow and solving problems facing farming.

Contact: Elizabeth Giannini                                                                                                                                                    

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
559.633.3215
elizabeth@plantfoundation.org

Visalia, Calif. -The PLANT Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching children science through agricultural examples, is partnering with the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) to redevelop the program that teaches school-age children about dairy production and dairy foods.

Since 2009, the PLANT Foundation has connected students from around the world with where dairy foods come from through the Farm Academy program titled, “Milk: From the Dairy to Your Door.” This interactive program teaches students about the life of a dairy cow and the production of popular dairy products.

With support from the CMAB, an agricultural marketing board that represents California’s dairy farmers, the PLANT Foundation’s dairy program curriculum will be updated and redeveloped in 2019 to be in line with next generation science standards and include on-demand videos that make the program more accessible to educators.

“With fewer people connected to food and farming, programs like Farm Academy Live are important to bridge the gap for the next generation,” said Jennifer Giambroni, director of communications for the CMAB. “We’re excited to support the PLANT Foundation’s efforts to use science to show how farmers care for cows, where milk comes from and how it is made into nutritious, sustainable dairy foods.”Since it was founded almost 10 years ago, the PLANT Foundation has used their Farm Academy platform to create a connection between the science and technology of agriculture and the science and technology of daily life. This connection is designed to ignite a passion for science in areas most central to the child’s life: food, agriculture and the environment. As technology continues to evolve and become more prevalent in the classroom and in children’s daily lives, the PLANT Foundation is working towards advancing their programming to keep up with the demand.

Support from organizations like CMAB is what allows them to continue to offer relevant content.

“We’re grateful that our partnership with CMAB will give us the opportunity to provide new programs that will focus on the technology and science of the dairy industry, while reaching a much broader audience of students by offering on-demand videos,” said PLANT Foundation Chairman Dino Giacomazzi. 

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PLANT Foundation

PLANT Foundation is a national non-profit organization formed to solve one of the most pressing issues facing agriculture today: how to interest the next generation of scientists, innovators and problem solvers in pursuing careers that will advance the agriculture industry. The PLANT Foundation launched Farm Academy in 2009 to create a connection between the science and technology of agriculture and the science and technology of everyday life for kids. Its programs lead to a future where students see opportunities in agricultural careers, becoming the innovators of tomorrow and solving problems facing farming.

About Real California Milk/the California Milk Advisory Board

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s more than 1,300 dairy families and is one of the largest agricultural marketing boards in the United States. With a mission to increase demand for products made with Real California Milk, the CMAB promotes California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit  RealCaliforniaMilk.com,  Facebook,YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.