Youth Parliament of Manitoba Partners With Monsanto Canada to Launch New, Rural Outreach Program

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Nov. 14, 2012) - Youth Parliament of Manitoba (YPM) is proud to announce the establishment of the Monsanto Rural Development Fund to help subsidize costs for rural members and promote the organization outside the City of Winnipeg.

Monsanto Canada Inc. has pledged to invest a total of $4500 over three years to help encourage the participation of rural youth and volunteers. $1200 per year will be used to support rural youth by reducing costs and $300 per year to promote YPM in rural communities.

"The creation of the Monsanto Rural Development fund allows us to truly live up to the "Manitoba" aspect of our name," says YPM Deputy Speaker Brent Hardy. "It enables us to attract rural youth to our organization which is integral to the success of YPM."

Each year, eight rural members (defined as those living 50km or more outside the City of Winnipeg) who attend YPM's Winter Session at the Manitoba Legislature will be offered free registration as well as a $50 transportation grant to help make the cost of participating more affordable. Preference will be given to members of farming families.

"Monsanto Canada is committed to strengthening rural communities and helping to support rural residents," said Trish Jordan, Public and Industry Affairs Director with Monsanto Canada based in Winnipeg. "We are also strong advocates of supporting rural youth and providing them with leadership and development opportunities. Youth Parliament of Manitoba is an excellent organization that allows youth the opportunity to improve their communication skills and explore our country's parliamentary system."

Youth Parliament of Manitoba Inc. is a non-partisan, non-denominational corporation and registered charity. Run completely by local youth, YPM's model parliament provides a unique opportunity for young adults to improve communication skills, learn about the Canadian democratic parliamentary tradition, and meet youth from across Manitoba. YPM's 91^st Winter Session will be held from December 26-30, 2012 for youth aged 16-20. More information can be found at www.ypmanitoba.ca.

Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Monsanto Canada Inc. is part of the larger global Monsanto family. Monsanto Company is an agricultural company and a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. Learn more about our business and our commitments at www.monsanto.ca.