FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno Grizzlies announced a new marketing and community initiative called "Farm Grown" prior to the April 20th game. The initiative will focus on unifying the Central San Joaquin Valley, instilling a local pride in its natives and residents, and striving to "support our own" in the community.

"We as an organization feel Farm Grown will become an important part of the Grizzlies and the greater Fresno area," said Vice President of Marketing, Drew Vertiz. "We envision Farm Grown becoming a driver for the community to come together and celebrate what is great about the region. When someone from here does something great, such as give back to the community or change it for the better, we want people to say, 'That is Farm Grown.'

"The best part, however, is we expect Farm Grown to be something that is always alive. It exists in real-time. This is for the community, and the community will help determine its best impact for the coming years."

Farm Grown was developed through the two primary lenses. The Fresno Grizzlies are a farm team in the San Francisco Giants organization, developing Future Giants for today and tomorrow. The other root of the campaign is that Fresno is in the heart of the Central Valley, an important leader in the agricultural community. The residents of the area share a common bond with the farming industry impacting the lives of many on a day-to-day basis.

The initiative is launched in conjunction with the Grizzlies' 15th season celebration. It will serve as a vehicle for the Grizzlies to honor individuals or businesses that are not only world-renowned, but also locally respected. The Grizzlies will recognize charitable and philanthropic efforts by the local community as "Farm Grown," with the first Farm Grown Community Partner Award to be presented on Ag Night, Friday, May 11th. The Grizzlies organization will support people, products and ideas that stem from the Central Valley and make the area unique.