Norway, Iowa (Oct. 14, 2016) — Simply Organic, a brand of Frontier Co-op, has named Anh Doan the recipient of its 2016 apprenticeship scholarship at the University of California at Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS). This internationally recognized program integrates social and natural science research, academic and experiential education, and public service.
Simply Organic believes organic farming is central to nourishing both people and planet. In 2010, the Simply Organic 1% Fund, in conjunction with the Frontier Co-op Foundation, established a continuing scholarship for the farming apprentice program. The annual scholarship provides tuition assistance each year for an apprentice in CASFS’s Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture program.
“These students are the next generation of 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 Ellen Bouchard, Director of Marketing for Simply Organic. “Our CASFS donation is just one of the ways we support and promote the growth of organic and sustainable agriculture.”
Doan’s interest in organic farming began early in his life. After attending high school in his native Vietnam, Doan pursued a bachelor's degree in biology at the University of Maryland where he was introduced to organic foods and farming practices.
“It was there when I realized that food is the key to health,” said Doan. “I was excited to learn about ‘farming in the right way’ — sustainably and organically.”
The Center's hands-on six-month apprenticeship covers topics like soil management, composting, pest control, crop planning, irrigation, farm equipment, marketing techniques, and Community Supported Agriculture practices.
“My hope is that I can show others the ways of organics and bring organic farm education to communities through apprenticeships, on-site programs and other means,” Doan added.
Simply Organic whole-heartedly supports the mission Doan and others like him are pursuing. The brand has given more than a million dollars to organic research, education and grower development projects since the Simply Organic 1% Fund was established in 2001. One percent of all Simply Organic sales go into the fund, which supports training and community projects for organic farmers where our spices are grown, as well as a variety of organizations and events that study, support and promote organic agriculture.
Learn more about Simply Organic’s 1% Fund and previous scholarship recipients at https://www.simplyorganic.com/community/about/giving-back/scholarship.
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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.