Monsanto Pledges $500K to Hurricane Harvey Relief

Texas National Guard Soldiers respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Pruitt)

Monsanto Company, whose agricultural operations include farms on three islands in Hawai‘i, is donating $500,000 to support disaster relief efforts in Texas and other states devastated by Hurricane Harvey.

The American Red Cross and Feeding America, through its partnership with Feeding Texas and other impacted food banks, will each receive $250,000 to assist with critical needs for families affected by the storm. The donations will enable the organizations to help those who have lost homes and businesses, and are in need of food and supplies now and during the rebuilding process.

“Hawai‘i has had its share of experiences with hurricanes, and our hearts and thoughts are with those whose lives have been turned completely upside down as a result of Hurricane Harvey,” said Dan Clegg, business operations lead for Monsanto Hawai‘i. “We hope these funds will help ease the plight of many who will need help and support in the weeks ahead.”

In addition to the company’s donation, Monsanto is encouraging employees throughout the company to make personal contributions to the American Red Cross and Feeding Texas. Monsanto will match all employee contributions to Hurricane Harvey relief.

“As an agriculture company, Monsanto is keenly aware of the ripple effect a natural disaster can have on the environment and farmers. The Texas cotton harvest is only about 10 percent complete, and the storm and flooding have caused tremendous damage to cotton in the field and in storage,” said Brett Begemann, Monsanto’s president and chief operating officer. “We’ll continue to explore how we might be able to help beyond this immediate donation.”

Prior to Hurricane Harvey making landfall, farmers and ranchers in the region worked around the clock to harvest crops, move livestock and equipment. Monsanto employs more than 800 people in Texas and has sites in several communities in the storm’s path, but to date, all employees are safe and facilities were not significantly damaged.