Proud to Bee a 4-H’er meets and exceeds ‘150 in 150’ challenge
Ottawa, ON – June 27, 2017 – The fourth edition of the 4-H Canada Proud to Bee a 4-H’er initiative has been an overwhelming success. This year saw the initiative surpass the 100,000 mark in terms of the number of pollinator-friendly seed packets distributed, since 2014, to 4-H clubs in communities across Canada.
With Canada celebrating its 150th birthday, this year’s Proud to Bee a 4-H’er efforts provided additional incentive for success. With a target of participation by 150 4-H clubs in recognition of Canada’s 150th birthday, 4-H Canada and Syngenta Canada were thrilled to have 194 4-H clubs across the country sign up to participate in the 2017 edition of the program, representing a 60 per cent increase from 2016.
“We were excited to see such an incredible response within the 4-H movement here in Canada for year four of the Proud to Bee a 4-H’er campaign,” said 4-H Canada CEO Shannon Benner. “Thanks to our strong partnership with Syngenta Canada, we have been able to support young 4-H’ers as they take an active role in learning more about pollinators and their role in sustainable agriculture and food security here in Canada.”
In addition to the distribution of pollinator-friendly seed packets through Proud to Bee a 4-H’er , 4-H Canada is also distributing more than 30,000 additional seed packets across Canada as part of a new 4-H club start-up kit campaign, an important element of their Canada 150 Signature Project. The Signature Project represents a great opportunity to share with urban and new Canadians the type of programming available through 4-H in Canada, and engage them in conversations relevant to our Canadian agriculture sector.
“The participation in the Proud to Bee a 4-H’er initiative is very encouraging and exciting,” says Dr. Paul Hoekstra, Senior Stewardship and Policy Manager with Syngenta Canada. “Education and habitat creation are two important contributors to healthy pollinator populations, so it’s terrific to see such tremendous involvement in the program this year.”
Support for Proud to Bee a 4-H’er by Syngenta Canada is through its Operation Pollinator program, which is 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.
For additional information and resources regarding Proud to Bee a 4-H’er, visit 4-h-canada.ca/proudtobee.
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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 24,000 members and nearly 7,400 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, caring and contributing leaders who are committed to positively impacting their communities across Canada and around the world. To learn more about 4-H Canada, please visit 4-h-canada.ca and follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
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.
About Operation Pollinator
Operation Pollinator is a 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. Originating in the United Kingdom, the Operation Pollinator program has since been expanded to several countries around the world, including Canada. It includes both on-farm and off-farm components.
For more information, media may contact:
| Jay Poulton Marketing and Communications Manager 4-H Canada 613-759-1013 ext. 131 jpoulton@4-h-canada.ca |
Chris Davison Head, Corporate Affairs Syngenta Canada Inc. 519-837-5328 chris.davison@syngenta.com |