4-H Partners with Syngenta for Proud to Bee a 4-H’er

Proud to Bee a 4-H’er - a partnership between 4-H Canada, Syngenta Canada and the Operation Pollinator Program

Ottawa, ON, June 4, 2015 -- 4-H Canada and Syngenta Canada are excited to announce the second 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.

Participating 4-H clubs will create bee-friendly habitats using Proud to Bee a 4-H’er bee-friendly seed packets. This fun activity encourages 4-H members to learn all about the amazing and fascinating work of bees, to get outside and enjoy nature, and to raise funds for their local clubs.

“The importance of pollinator-friendly habitats to the ongoing health of bees and other insects should not be underestimated,” says Dr. Paul Hoekstra, Regulatory and Science Stewardship Manager with Syngenta Canada. “The quantity and quality of food sources available to pollinators is a key determinant of overall population health and an important part of maintaining and enhancing biodiversity.”

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 a free Proud to Bee a 4-H’er garden bag stuffed with bee-friendly seed packets, planting instructions, and information about pollinator habitat. 4-H’s focus on positive youth development fits well with the program’s objective to help youth make healthy choices, enjoy and appreciate the outdoors and learn about a healthy environment.

4-H’ers can plant the seeds themselves or use them to support activities in their communities. Last year’s effort was highly successful with more than 100 clubs taking part and nearly 78,000 seed packets distributed across Canada for planting.

“Proud to Bee was a great experience for our members last year,” said 4-H Canada CEO, Shannon Benner. “This year, Syngenta Canada has renewed its committed to giving 4-H’ers a great opportunity to not only learn more about pollinators but to get together and take an active role in supporting pollinator health in their communities.”

For additional information and resources on the Proud to Bee a 4-H’er initiative, visit www.4-h-canada.ca/proud-to-bee. To locate 4-H clubs near you, go to https://www.4-h-canada.ca/connect/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 Syngenta

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 28,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.

For more information, media may contact:

Jennifer Austin, Director, Marketing and Communications
4-H Canada
613-759-1013 ext. 130
jaustin@4-h-canada.ca

Chris Davison, Head, Corporate Affairs
Syngenta Canada Inc.
Tel: 519-837-5328
chris.davison@syngenta.com