Russell Libby Agricultural Scholar Awards
About the Russell Libby Agricultural Scholar Awards
- MOFGA Journeyperson Program participant who is still farming in Maine (past or present participants welcome, and fiber and flower farmers are also welcome to apply).
- Maine high school senior planning to study sustainable or organic farming (preference for colleges in Maine)
- Teacher, school or education center looking to support an agricultural related project in Maine, such as a campus garden, classroom project or a guest lecturer.
Applications are closed for the 2025 Russell Libby Agricultural Scholar Awards! Sign up for our e-mail bulletin to hear when the 2026 applications open.
Awards are granted to honor the late Russell Libby, who led the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association for 17 years and dedicated his life to growing the organic food movement. The scholarships offer support to students seeking to deepen their knowledge of organic and sustainable farm systems. Please note, a given individual will only be chosen as a winner of the scholarship one time.
For further information about Russell Libby Agricultural Scholarships, contact Anna Libby: [email protected]. For details about the Source Sustainability Awards, contact Peggy Grodinsky: [email protected].
The Russell Libby Agricultural Scholar Awards are a joint project of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and the Maine Sunday Telegram/Source and are generously supported by the Belfast Community Co-Op and Lee Auto Malls.
Portrait of Russell Libby by Robert Shetterly
Meet the 2024 Winners of the Scholar Awards
Educator: Jenine Olson of Nokomis Regional High School
Olson works to coordinate between the school garden and cooking club program at Nokomis Regional High School. The funds from the Scholar Award will be used to continue to develop the school garden and support food preparation and preservation efforts. The food will move from the gardens, through the kitchen, and directly into the homes of students.
Journeyperson: Garrett Sorber of Radical Roots Nursery
Educator: Colleen Maker
Colleen works at the Washington Academy Community Garden and is glad to be this year’s recipient of the Russell Libby Agricultural Scholarship. The funds will support increased produce for the Machias Food pantry this growing season. The main objective of the garden is to educate high school students on sustainable practices, empowering them to grow their own food and foster a strong sense of community service in the fight against food insecurity.
Photo courtesy of Colleen Maker.
Read more about this year’s Russel Libby Scholars in the Portland Press Herald.