“Farmers are a vital part of rural Canada and are very proud of their local communities,” said Trish Jordan, public and industry affairs director with Monsanto Canada. “We wanted to give them the chance to be a community hero by helping those groups and projects that support rural residents and make their communities stronger.”

As part of the program, Monsanto will award two, $2,500 grants in each of the 33 regions across the grain growing regions of northeastern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces.

The program was launched in 2012. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 30. Complete contest rules, eligibility requirements and an online application form are available at www.canadasfarmers.ca.