Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) programs are buzzing with an increased emphasis on pollinators, thanks to GROWMARK and its FS member cooperatives.

At the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) annual meeting this week, GROWMARK Corporate Relations and Foundation Manager Amy Bradford announced new collaborative efforts focused on activities and education related to the importance of pollinators.

“We place a high priority on teaching students the role agriculture plays in their lives,” said Bradford. “This year, we are excited to participate in activities that enhance students’ understanding of the importance of pollinators in agriculture and food production. While much of the focus is on honeybees, we want students to understand there are a number of pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds, which are all important to ensuring a reliable supply of food.”

GROWMARK recently renewed its IAITC commitment with a $73,000 contribution that supports the development of a new Pollinators Ag Mag and classroom poster. Materials and lessons also will feature native Illinois plants that serve as pollinator hosts, discuss what farmers do, and what students can do to help protect and encourage pollinator habitats.

GROWMARK launched a robust pollinator support program this year as part of its Endure sustainability platform. More than 40 4-H clubs in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, and nearly 30 GROWMARK System employees grew pollinator habitats in 2016 and the program is expanding next year to include FFA chapters.

Learn more about GROWMARK’s pollinator support efforts in this interview with Amy: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/growmark-ilfb-bradford.mp3″ text=”Interview with Amy Bradford, GROWMARK”]