Meadow FFA Wins PhytoGen® cottonseed-sponsored Denim Drive
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INDIANAPOLIS — As thousands of FFA members are virtually attending the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo, a group of West Texas students are reaping rewards from the Blue Jeans Go Green™ denim drive sponsored by PhytoGen®, the U.S. cottonseed brand of Corteva Agriscience. Together, they kept more than 2,500 pairs of denim from area landfills, fulfilling the FFA mantra “For the Future. For All.”
Meadow FFA of Meadow, Texas, took home the grand prize of $2,000 for its efforts, while last year’s winner, Olton FFA, came in second receiving $1,000. Hutchinson County 4-H was awarded third place, earning $500 for the club.
“Early on, the whole town of Meadow promoted and contributed to our drive, but after everything shut down because of the ongoing coronavirus epidemic, our FFA team was still determined to win. They took advantage of school closing to clean out their families’ closets!” said Monica Caswell, Meadow FFA advisor.
Many FFA chapters are struggling to raise funds this year because most fundraising activities, such as concession stands, have been closed. But the teaching moment was not lost, Caswell explained.
“We are very appreciative to PhytoGen for sponsoring the drive. We’ve been able to illustrate the sustainability of agriculture with this program. We can create more with cotton,” she said.
Since its inception in 2006, the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program has collected more than 3.5 million pieces of denim and over 6 million square feet of insulation has been upcycled from worn denim. Over 40 Habitat for Humanity affiliates have received denim insulation, and more than 1,750 tons of textile waste have been diverted from landfills.
“Thanks to the participation of local FFA and 4-H chapters, old denim will be recycled and put to good use as home insulation, with a portion being distributed to charitable organizations. It’s rewarding for PhytoGen cottonseed to be involved with an initiative that supports cotton-growing communities and promotes cotton’s sustainability,” said Derek Racca, PhytoGen Brand Manager.
Racca said most of the denim was collected prior to school closures, but the denim drive was necessarily delayed due to COVID-19 precautions.
About PhytoGen
For 40 years, PhytoGen®, the U.S. cottonseed brand of Corteva Agriscience, has helped growers thrive with cottonseed varieties that produce maximum yield and industry-leading fiber quality. Growers work smarter with the most advanced trait technologies, such as WideStrike® 3 Insect Protection and the Enlist® cotton trait. Join the discussion with PhytoGen on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or become a Best Yielder member.
About Corteva Agriscience
Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry - including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximizing productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019, and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.
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® PhytoGen and the PhytoGen Logo are trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies.
™ Blue Jeans Go Green is a trademark of Cotton Incorporated.
Contacts
Kacey Birchmier
Corteva Agriscience
515-305-0085
kacey.birchmier@corteva.com
Amanda Powell
Bader Rutter
770-356-1480
apowell@bader-rutter.com