Each year, Foods Resource Bank (FRB) partners with growers, churches and agribusinesses, including NK® Brand, to establish nationwide growing projects to support efforts to help developing nations. Robert R. Andres and Sons in Bryan, Ohio, was one of several NK Brand dealerships to participate in local growing projects across the country. In all, NK® Brand has pledged $25,000 of corn and soybean seed to FRB this year.

NK® Brand has pledged $25,000 of corn and soybean seed to Foods Resource Bank (FRB), Kalamazoo, Michigan, for its 2006 U.S. growing projects.  FRB works with businesses like NK Brand and its dealers, as well as growers and churches, to annually establish nationwide growing projects that raise funds to help developing nations. 

NK Brand has worked with its dealer network to provide seed to FRB for the past three years.  Using entirely volunteer labor, the seed is planted on donated land throughout the United States.  The crops are then harvested and converted to cash.  The money raised for this program is used to supply seeds, tools, irrigation, animals and agricultural instruction to local villagers in developing nations. 

“We are able to provide means for villagers to grow their own food and feed their own families, restoring their dignity and giving them hope,” said Norm Braksick, executive director, FRB. “With the generous help from agribusinesses, like NK Brand, that donate seed and growers who donate their land and time, FRB was able to send $1.6 million in crop income to support 500,000 beneficiaries in developing worlds in 2005.”

People who receive assistance from FRB survive on much less than the average person in the developed world.  For example, one bushel of corn can feed 65 people per day or $100 can feed a family of five for three months.

For the past three years, NK® Brand has worked with Foods Resource Bank (FRB), which plants and harvests crops that raise funds for developing nations. NK® Brand, together with local dealerships, has pledged $25,000 of corn and soybean seed to FRB, Kalamazoo, Mich., for its 2006 U.S. growing projects.

NK Brand enlists the help of its dealers to distribute seed to growers who set aside acres each year for this project.  Partnering with FRB provides the NK Brand team an opportunity to work together to improve the quality of life for people around the world.

“The agricultural industry has always fed the world.  This project allows us to direct our resources to places where food assistance is most needed and to build hope,” said Marshall Kostiuk, corn marketing manager, NK Brand.  “It is an honor to work with growers, NK Brand dealers and organizations like FRB that are dedicated to making a difference in reducing the plight of world hunger."

NK Brand Seeds is a trusted hybrid corn, soybean and alfalfa seed supplier with more than 100 years of service in the marketplace.  The brand provides growers more yield and better choices for the way they farm through innovative products and solutions.  Located in Golden Valley, Minn., NK Brand Seeds is part of Syngenta. 

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2005 were approximately $8.1 billion.  Syngenta employs more than 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.

NK® is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company.