Tribune staff reports

Earlier this school year, Syngenta donated sweet corn seed to Seymour High School FFA to grow and sell to raise money for investing in the chapter.

Syngenta, an agriculture company that helps farmers make better use of available resources, provided the Seymour group with 10 bags of Protector sweet corn seed with Attribute II trait stack.

FFA members planted and managed the sweet corn. Once the crop reached maturity, they were able to share the harvest with the members that helped pick and sort, donate more than 30 dozen to the school and donate sweet corn to local food banks.

“Our organization is excited to partner with Syngenta to grow more sweet corn and raise money for our organization to invest back into the chapter,” said Jeanna Eppley, Seymour High School FFA adviser.

“This project gives our members a firsthand look at the hard work it takes to grow a successful ear of corn,” she said. “By collaborating with Syngenta, we are able to provide our community with a high-quality product while raising money for our chapter.”

With Protector sweet corn seed and its Attribute II trait stack, farmers will be able to grow produce to feed many in the area, according to a news release from Syngenta.

This trait stack provides control of key yield-robbing insects, including European corn borer, corn earworm, fall armyworm and western bean cutworm, producing a more uniform ear of corn without bug damage.

“We are excited to collaborate with local FFA chapters to provide them with top-quality sweet corn to sell as a fundraiser for their chapters,” said Aaron Smith, Syngenta sales representative in Bloomington.

“With each bushel of corn we grow, together we will provide more opportunities to the next generation of farmers,” Smith said. “We are fortunate to connect with some of the most talented young people looking to get into the field. Through this partnership, we are demonstrating the contributions that local organizations, along with Syngenta, can make to impact our future farmers.”

In September 2013, the company launched a measurable program called The Good Growth Plan to help farmers across the world grow more food using fewer resources while protecting nature and improving life for people in rural communities.

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For information about The Good Growth Plan, visit GoodGrowthPlan.com.

For information about Syngenta, visit syngenta-us.com. Also, you can join the conversation online at social.SyngentaUS.com.

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