Norway, Iowa (Sept. 28, 2015) — Simply Organic has named David Laws the recipient of the 2015 Simply Organic Scholarship for an apprenticeship at University of California at Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS).

In 2009, Frontier Co-op and its brand Simply Organic made a combined contribution of $130,000 to establish the scholarship at CASFS. Since that time, more than 1,500 apprentices have been trained in CASFS's organic fields, orchards and greenhouses. Program participants have learned how to raise food and flowers — and how to make our food system more sustainable.

"These students are the next generation organic farmers, market gardeners, urban agriculturalists, school garden teachers and other leaders — all-working to promote local, healthy food in communities around the country," said Simply Organic's Senior Brand Manager Ellen Bouchard. "Our CASFS donation is just one of the ways we support and promote the growth of organic and sustainable agriculture."

Laws' interest in organic farming began in January 2013 when a friend bought 4.6 acres of land in Davie, Florida. He immediately joined the operation – Treehugger Organic Farms – as an experienced farm co-manager.

During his first year at the farm, Laws also managed the Florida International University Organic Garden while earning his Bachelors of Arts in Environmental Studies and a certificate in agroecology and sustainable agriculture.

Today, Treehugger Organic Farms is committed to making sustainably produced organics accessible in an area largely dominated by commercial growing. It supplies a farm stand, three farmers markets, local restaurants and a growing community supported agriculture (CSA) program. The farm sponsors its own monthly open house with a farmers market, kids crafts and musical entertainment.

Law plans to use the skills he’s gaining in the UCSC program to ramp up organic farm production and, through succession plantings and intercropping, provide consistent and reliable crop yields.

"I am committed to educating others about organic agriculture," said Law. "My hope is that we can show others the ways of organics and permaculture, bringing organic farm education to the community through apprenticeships, on-site programs and other means."

Simply Organic®

Simply Organic, an all-organic brand from Frontier Co-op™, offers an extensive and growing selection of certified organic spices, seasonings, and baking flavors while supporting organic agriculture around the globe. By providing the best available organic seasonings and donating one percent of sales to organic agriculture and education, Simply Organic genuinely offers "Pure.Simple.Joy." Find out more about Simply Organic at www.simplyorganic.com.

Frontier Co-op™

Founded in 1976 and based in Norway, Iowa, Frontier Co-op offers a full line of natural and organic products under the Frontier, Simply Organic® and Aura Cacia® brands. Products include culinary herbs, spices and baking flavors; bulk herbs and spices; and natural and organic aromatherapy products. Frontier's goal is to provide consumers with the highest-quality organic and natural products while supporting and promoting social and environmental responsibility. For more information, visit Frontier Co-op's website at www.frontiercoop.com.