Syngenta Canada and the Soil Conservation Council of Canada are partnering to expand Operation Pollinator in western Canada.

The Syngenta program focuses on research and partnerships to promote the health and well-being of bees and other pollinators.

“We are excited about working with the Soil Conservation Council of Canada to expand the on-farm footprint of Operation Pollinator in Western Canada,” says Dr. Paul Hoekstra, Senior Stewardship and Policy Manager with Syngenta Canada. “We have and continue to see benefits from Operation Pollinator activities,” Hoekstra adds, noting that information gathered from Operation Pollinator sites confirms their positive contribution to the diversity and abundance of pollinators.

Farmers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta are eligible to sign up for the program.

Producers are being asked to convert one-to-two acres of lower-productivity land to establish a dedicated operation pollinator site.

In exchange for the land-use, farmer receive a pollinator-friendly wildflower seed and agronomic advice.`

“Soil Conservation Council of Canada is privileged to be working with Syngenta in the delivery of Operation Pollinator in Canada,” says Jim Tokarchuk, Executive Director. “Their strong support anchors this effort and our network of Prairie partners will ensure this program will benefit farmers and the land they steward on behalf of all of society. This is strong fit with our organization’s mandate.”

The goal of the program is to establish and maintain new pollinator-friendly habitats over the long term and enhance biodiversity.

More information can be found at www.soilcc.ca.