Syngenta IPM in School Gardens Grant

This grant is closed for the 2010 cycle.

As our world population increases and available production space decreases, it is important that farmers use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that meets economic, environmental, and social needs. Understanding the important role and responsibilities of commercial agricultural producers is critical for creating an informed and supportive citizenry. A school garden is an excellent way to introduce students to the challenges faced by producers including important factors such as insect, weed, and disease pests, infertile soil and limited water resources.

Syngenta is sponsoring the Syngenta IPM in School Gardens Grant to support educators using school gardens as a tool for teaching students about integrated pest management strategies in the garden and on farms. During 2010, four schools will receive grant packages valued at $1,250.

Who is eligible to apply

Middle and high schools serving low- to middle-income students located in the United States are eligible to apply. Educators must be planning to use the garden program to teach students about integrated pest management practices used in gardens and commercial agriculture.

One grant recipient will be selected from each geographic region of the country defined as the Northeast, Midwest, West, and South.

The garden program must be implemented by October 2010. Schools receiving the grants must complete a year end report by December 31, 2010, summarizing program accomplishments and impacts.

Submitted reports should also include photographs with appropriate parental photo permission forms of students and teachers working together on garden projects and statements from a selection of students discussing what they may have learned during the project.

Grant Packages

Recipients will receive an award package valued at $1,250 including*:

• 2 Link-a-Bord raised beds
• Mid-sized tool set
• Handtool set
• Wire compost bin
• Compost thermometer
• LaMotte soil test kit
• Starter house
• Illuminated pocket microscope
• RainSaver rainbarrel
• Insect netting with hoops
• Recycled plastic weedbock
• Garden Insects of North America: The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Bugs
• Vegetable Seeds
• $200 to purchase soil and amendments for raised beds

*Every effort will be made to award the prize package as described above, however in the unlikely event any item in the prize package becomes unavailable due to conditions beyond our control, we reserve the right to substitute an item of equal or greater value.