12/06/05 - Nutrients for Life - Year Two

When seven of the fertilizer industry's major companies joined with The Fertilizer Institute last year to develop a public education foundation to battle economic and environmental misconceptions about their core product, little did they imagine how much growth would occur for the entity known as the "Nutrients for Life" Foundation. MATHERS: We found a tremendous energy amongst both the fertilizer industry and our farmer customers for communicating like the "Nutrients for Life" foundation is about the tremendous benefits, both environmental and societal benefits, of fertilizers. So we had a great first year. And Kathy Mathers of The Fertilizer Institute says the momentum will mean expansion of existing programs, and introduction of new educational tools, for the "Nutrients for Life" Foundation's second year. MATHERS: We raised about $1.2 million dollars in our first year, which is going towards the development of a number of different projects, including some school curriculum supplements, which are going to help our high school and middle school students do a better job of understanding nutrients and their role in the environment. At this point, we're working very hard to make sure these two curriculum supplements get out and to the public. We've be beta-testing them in classrooms this spring. There be finalized and ready to go in the classroom in fall of 2006 so that's a major project for us. We're also doing some consumer oriented scientific research which is filling some gaps in badly needed research to demonstrate the value of fertilizers. Mathers says as more research is gathered; more results will become available to the mainstream media. That research builds upon previous information obtained on some of the consumer concerns of fertilizers and their impacts on human health and the environment. Part of the "Nutrients for Life" Foundation's success in year one has been a partnership with a recognizable entity. MATHERS: And we're continuing the good work done by the highly regarded Fertile Minds program. That includes a series of Fertile Minds mini-expos, which features a panel of highly recognized scientists discussing all aspects of crop nutrients and how the role of crop nutrients in feeding a growing world population is increasing. MATHERS: (We'll) be looking at some additional work on the Fertile Minds program. Doctor Jay Lehr who is a super spokesperson has been out and conducting Fertile Minds expos and doing a wonderful job in helping farmers and retailers and others communicate the tremendous benefits of fertilizer. More information about the Nutrients for Life Foundation and its programs can be found at this website, www.fertile-minds.org.