4-H Canada and Syngenta Canada to Continue Empowering Youth Leaders in Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security

Ottawa, ON – 4-H Canada and Syngenta Canada are pleased to announce the continuation of their successful partnership, which positions Syngenta as the lead partner for programming within 4-H Canada’s Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security leadership development pillar through to 2023.

Syngenta Canada’s renewed investment will contribute a total of $350,000 towards the 4-H movement in Canada, including $60,000 for provincial 4-H organizations. Since 2014, Syngenta has provided over $232,000 to provincial 4-H organizations through their support of the Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security leadership development pillar.

Featuring high-quality experiential programming, the Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security pillar empowers youth leaders to explore everything from sustainable farming practices to agricultural career paths to food security at home and around the world. Youth also have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to important global conversations, including how to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“I believe we’re at a critical reflection point in agriculture, where the way our food is produced and consumed has a wider public interest. We know Canada has a great sustainability story to share and we’re thankful to 4-H for bringing forward Outreach Initiatives within the Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security pillar giving our future leaders new opportunities to engage and develop,” shared Syngenta Canada President Trevor Heck.

As the lead partner for the Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security leadership development pillar, Syngenta Canada has helped to engage over 25,000 4-H members and youth across three Outreach Initiatives: Proud to Bee a 4-H’er, Dig into Soil, and Steeped in Soil.

These programs were also included in 4-H at Home, launched early in the COVID-19 pandemic to provide youth and families across Canada with the opportunity to enjoy fun, safe, and inclusive hands-on activities any time, from anywhere.

“From the beginning of the pandemic, it was clear that youth need 4-H now more than ever, and we are grateful to Syngenta Canada for supporting our 4-H at Home programming,” said Shannon Benner, 4-H Canada CEO. “Not only have the Outreach Initiatives allowed members to stay actively learning and engaged during these challenging times, but introduced the benefits of 4-H programming to families across the country. As one of our longstanding partners, Syngenta Canada has made invaluable contributions to the 4-H movement in Canada, and we look forward to continuing to partner with them on meaningful and innovative youth programming within the vital Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security pillar.”