ROYAL CITY — Local farmer Patrick Lee Jr. has directed a $2,500 donation to the Royal School District as part of the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund.

As part of their mission the Royal School District will use the funds to upgrade the agricultural program’s greenhouse. Superintendent Roger Trail expressed his gratitude for receiving the grant at Monday’s School Board meeting. “Providing improved facilities for our students creates a better environment for student learning.”

The Board and Mr. Trail are appreciative for the support provided by Mr. Lee and look forward to having a much improved greenhouse for the agricultural program.

Since its inception in 2010, the Grow Communities program has partnered with farmers to support nonprofit organizations important to them in their local communities. The program has donated more than $29 million to farming communities, including more than $3 million in 2018. Each year, farmers vie for a chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit they care about in their community. The organizations reflect the makeup and character of rural America, including emergency response organizations, schools, youth agriculture programs, food banks and many others.