4-H Canada and Syngenta Canada Proud to Bee Partnering for Third Year —Targeting Distribution of 100,000th seed packet in 2016
Ottawa, ON, February 23, 2016 -- 4-H Canada and Syngenta Canada are excited to announce the third year of Proud to Bee a 4-H’er, an initiative where 4-H club members learn about bees and other pollinators by planting and tending pollinator-friendly gardens in their communities.
Participating 4-H clubs will once again have the opportunity to create pollinator-friendly habitats using Proud to Bee a 4-H’erpollinator-friendly seed packets. This fun activity encourages 4-H members to learn all about the amazing and fascinating work of bees, get outside and enjoy nature, and raise funds for their local clubs. Approximately 80,000 seed packets have been distributed over the first two years of the program and the hope is that 2016 will see the total number move to over 100,000 packets distributed.
“Habitat and food sources are among the key factors contributing to healthy bee populations,” says Dr. Paul Hoekstra, Regulatory and Science Stewardship Manager with Syngenta Canada. “This initiative provides a fun and meaningful way for young people to help promote pollinator health while learning about the important and essential role of pollinators in agriculture and other ecosystems.”
Syngenta support for Proud to Bee a 4-H’er is through its Operation Pollinator program, which is focused on research and other initiatives that contribute to enhanced biodiversity and habitat in support of healthy pollinator populations.
4-H clubs that register for the program receive Proud to Bee a 4-H’er pollinator-friendly seed packets, planting instructions and information about pollinator habitats. 4-H’ers can plant the seeds themselves or use them to support activities in their communities. This year, participating 4-H’ers will also have the chance to share their pride in taking part in this initiative by submitting a short video describing why they are #ProudtoBeea4Her. The winners will be chosen through public voting in late-summer 2016, with exciting prizes to be awarded!
“Proud to Bee a 4-H’er is an event in high demand by 4-H clubs across Canada each year because it is always such a great experience for our members,” said 4-H Canada CEO, Shannon Benner. “Once again, Syngenta Canada has renewed its committed to giving 4-H’ers a great opportunity to make healthy choices, enjoy and appreciate the outdoors and learn about a healthy environment, by actively supporting pollinator health in their communities.”
For additional information and resources on the Proud to Bee a 4-H’er initiative, visit https://4-h-canada.ca/proudtobee. To locate 4-H clubs near you, go to https://4-h-canada.ca/find-club.
About 4-H Canada
For over 100 years, 4-H Canada has been one of the most highly respected positive youth development organizations in Canada. 4-H Canada has more than 24,500 members and nearly 7,700 volunteers. Our goal is to help young Canadians “Learn To Do By Doing” in a safe, inclusive and fun environment. We believe in nurturing responsible, engaged and confident leaders who are committed to positively impacting their communities across Canada and around the world. To learn more about 4-H Canada, please visit www.4-h-canada.ca.
About Operation Pollinator
Operation Pollinator is a Syngenta program focused on research and partnerships to promote the health and well-being of bees and other pollinators given their essential role in agriculture and nature. The program's mandate is to support activities that enhance biodiversity, habitat and other practical initiatives that contribute to healthy pollinator populations. The program originated in the United Kingdom and has since been expanded to several countries around the world. It includes both on-farm and off-farm components.
About Syngenta
Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world-class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/Syngenta and www.twitter.com/SyngentaCanada.
For more information, media may contact:
Elizabeth Jarvis, Marketing and Communications Director
4-H Canada
613-759-1013 ext. 130
ejarvis@4-h-canada.ca
Chris Davison, Head, Corporate Affairs
Syngenta Canada Inc.
Tel: 519-837-5328
chris.davison@syngenta.com
Operation Pollinator and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. © 2016 Syngenta. All rights reserved.