Russell Libby Agricultural Scholar Awards
Apply for a Russell Libby Agricultural Scholar Award
- 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.
To apply: Please submit an application HERE. The deadline for 2024 applications is May 9.
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 2023 Winners of the Scholar Awards
High School: Nickie Deschaine
Nickie’s love for agriculture began while working potato harvest at LaJoie Growers in Van Buren, Maine, during the three week “potato vacation” from Central Aroostook High School. On the farm she has run the bin piler, racked a variety of potatoes, beets, and carrots, and also worked on the harvester. She was the Maine FFA State President for two years (2021-2023). Being in FFA taught her how broad the agriculture field is and how important it is to educate students to promote the future of agriculture. She plans to study agriculture and plant science at Cornell University in the fall.
Photo courtesy of Nickie Deschaine.
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.
Journeyperson: Wild Few Herb Farm
The mission at Wild Few is to get high-quality medicinal herbs to the people, to strengthen community resilience through education surrounding plant allies, and to do it all in celebration. With the assistance of these funds, Wild Few Farm can start making herbs more accessible, and encourage people to come out to the farm by investing in marketing, offering a sliding-scale CSA and providing materials in our workshops so that people can have hands-on experience
Photo courtesy of Wild Few Farm.
Read more about this year’s Russel Libby Scholars in the Portland Press Herald.
