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Monsanto in the classroom |
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by smann
Email: smann (nospam) stu.parkland.edu (verified)
Address: Urbana |
23 Jun 2004
Modified: 11:40:45 PM |
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The giant agri-biotech firm Monsanto Company has announced that it is giving $50,000 to an educational program run through the US Department of Agriculture. |
According to the corporation's press release, "Supporting [this program] allows Monsanto to maintain its commitment to science education and grassroots efforts that improve the understanding and acceptance of biotechnology."
Would this be similar to the National Pork Producer's Council (see nppc.org) subsidizing an educational program in schools to "improve the understanding and acceptance of", for instance, bacon and other pig-based products in our diet?
Here is the press release cited above:
Monsanto Gift to Benefit Agriculture in the Classroom
Wednesday June 23, 10:25 am ET
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monsanto announced today, at the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, intentions to donate a gift of $50,000 to the Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) Consortium. AITC is a grassroots student educational program coordinated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with chapters in all states and territories. State AITC programs address the need for agriculture literacy at the K-12 student level, with innovative curricular efforts designed specifically to reach non-traditional agriculture students.
"The AITC Consortium is privileged to accept this gift which will benefit students and teachers around the country who want to learn more about agriculture," said Kevin Daugherty, president of Agriculture in the Classroom Consortium. "Monsanto's gift is the first of its kind to the Consortium and will greatly enhance the grant pool available each year, providing additional opportunities for deserving educational projects at the state level."
The Monsanto gift will be used to fund three projects per year over the next three years through a competitive state-level grant process administered by the AITC Consortium. The grants will award outstanding initiatives developed by state AITC programs focused on biotechnology, plant sciences, or agriculture and the environment. Supporting AITC allows Monsanto to maintain its commitment to science education and grassroots efforts that improve the understanding and acceptance of biotechnology.
"Monsanto believes the educational efforts undertaken by AITC state programs are as important as they have ever been," said Kerry Preete, Vice President of Monsanto, U.S. Crop Production. "Science education is fundamental to fully appreciate the contribution agriculture makes in our society and we believe AITC is committed to educating the next generation of consumers and opinion leaders about these issues."
The National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference explores the Cultures of Agriculture in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 23-26, 2004. Designed for teachers and volunteers who have an interest in agricultural literacy, the AITC National Conference demonstrates how to incorporate agricultural concepts across the curriculum through interesting and engaging activities and lessons.
Sponsored and hosted by the United States Department of Agriculture and the New Mexico Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, this conference features agricultural literacy programs presented by experienced, enthusiastic teachers and other professionals. For more information about the conference or to contact a state USDA AITC lead visit http://www.agclassroom.org .
Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON - News) is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. You can learn more about Monsanto's commitment to youth and science education by visiting the company's website at http://www.monsanto.com and clicking on "Our pledge" and then "Commitment to Youth".
Link: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040623/cgw035_1.html
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Here a blurb from the St. Louis Business Journal :
Monsanto to give $50,000 to ag education program
Monsanto Co. plans to donate $50,000 to the Agriculture in the Classroom Consortium, a student education program coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it said Wednesday.
The money will be used to pay for three projects a year for the next three years through a competitive state-level grant program. The grants will support initiatives developed by state AITC programs that focus on biotechnology, plant sciences or agriculture and the environment.
Kevin Daugherty, president of Agriculture in the Classroom Consortium, said Monsanto's gift is the first of its kind to the consortium.
Monsanto's gift is part of its commitment to science education and efforts to improve the understanding and acceptance of biotechnology.
St. Louis-based Monsanto Co. (NYSE: MON) develops insect- and herbicide-resistant crops and other agricultural products.
Link: http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2004/06/21/daily40.html |
This work is in the public domain |
