Toro announces four 'Ready. Set. GROW!' finalists

The Toro Company has released the four finalists of its "Ready. Set. GROW!" grant program, opening the selection process to the public to decide on this year's winner.

“We created this grant program to give back to the community and help support growers and organizations in their effort to apply more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices,” said Judson McNeil of the Toro Giving Program. “Each organization deserves to win, and we’re thrilled to help in some way with their efforts.”

The finalists include California-based Armed Services YMCA at Camp Pendleton, which is staking its bid on a program that trains active-duty service members and veterans in sustainable agribusiness; North Louisiana Agri-Business Council, which would use the funds to educate the community on irrigation and water management; Project Fine - Colorful Growers from Winona, Minn., which would promote water-saving technologies in addition to healthy diets and exercise; and Visalia, Calif.-based Shannon Ranch Elementary School, which would install a drip irrigation system for the school garden, where students go to learn about life sciences.

The community grant program will funnel $15,000 to growers and non-profits that champion sustainable practices.

Voting for the public will be open through Nov. 19 to determine which organization will receive the largest grant of $7,000. The second-place winner will receive $4,000, while the third and fourth-place winners will each get $2,000.