Proud to Bee a 4-H’er initiative reaches new heights and new clubs
Ottawa, Ontario – May 29, 2018 – 4-H Canada and Syngenta Canada are pleased to announce another successful year of the Proud to Bee a 4-H’er initiative, which saw 135 4-H clubs from across the country participating and some 15,000 seed packets distributed. In the five years it has run, Proud to Bee a 4-H’er has distributed more than 140,000 pollinator-friendly seed packets to 4-H clubs and communities across Canada.
In addition, 4-H Canada and Syngenta were thrilled to have 44 percent of those clubs as first-time participants in the initiative. The participating 4-H clubs help create bee-friendly habitats and learn all about the fascinating work of bees.
“It is wonderful each year to see the level of excitement and engagement our members have with this initiative,” said Shannon Benner, 4-H Canada CEO. “All of this would not be possible without the strong commitment from our Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security Pillar partner Syngenta Canada. They have been instrumental in helping young 4-H’ers take a hands-on approach in learning about their role in a sustainable agriculture and food security and the overall health of the environment.”
4-H Canada’s partnership with Syngenta Canada is helping to ensure that 4-H members across the country are not only learning about the importance of pollinators, but also actively helping to create and promote healthy pollinator populations across the country. The Proud to Bee a 4-H’er initiative has proven to be an incredible way to engage all Canadians in conversations about sustainable food, the environment, and the agricultural sector.
“This partnership with 4-H Canada continues to promote the importance of pollinators and is actively helping to create healthy pollinator habitats,” says Dr. Paul Hoekstra, Stewardship and Policy Manager with Syngenta Canada. “We continue to be amazed by the high level of interest and engagement that 4-H clubs across the country bring to this initiative.”
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 https://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 close to 25,000 members and more than 7,700 volunteer leaders. 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 youth 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 Director, Marketing and Communications 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 |