MONTEREY, CA – PRO*ACT’s sustainability and local produce initiative Greener Fields Together™ now has a twofold judging process for its Cultivating Change competition.

This new program allows local growers to apply for grants ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, with the window for applications closing on November 30th.

According to a press release, there will be five winners for each grant in increments of $3,000 and $5,000, with two winners of $10,000 grants.

The top two awards will be determined by a panel of industry leaders, PRO*ACT said, which 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

Those who apply will also be chosen via an online voting and peer review process, the criteria of which will be based on the following four specifications:

• 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.

The peers that will be voting online, including those associated with each farm, distributors, and PRO*ACT members, with the farms that have received the most votes winning the additional awards.

PRO*ACT will announce the grant winners on January 6, 2016. For more information and complete rules, visit www.cultivatingchange.org/rules.

PRO*ACT Greener Fields Together™