Lundberg Family Farms® has launched a new initiative that will award up to $50,000 total in grants and scholarships.

Raising Organic Family Farms will provide  grants and scholarships in 2011 for beginning or transitioning organic farmers – from college students interested in sustainable agriculture programs to beginning farmers in need of seed money.Beginning August 8, 2011, apply or nominate a student or an aspiring commercial organic farmer at http://www.raisingorganicfamilyfarms.com. Entrants submit a 500-word essay – along with optional photos and/or video content – in one of three categories:

• Seed money for equipment, supplies or repairs
• Education funding towards schooling or conference registration
• Mentorship with experts in business planning, marketing, retail, livestock
management or crop planning

The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2011.

A judging panel consisting of sustainable agriculture influencers will choose recipents in each category. Judges will determine the amount to be awarded for each winner based on need. Up to $50,000 total in grants and scholarships will be awarded.