CALGARY, Feb. 12, 2015 /CNW/ - Ag for Life and The Co-operators announced today a new three-year partnership in support of rural and farm safety education programming. The Co-operators is providing $75,000 to support the expansion of Rural and Farm Safety Days across the province, through which Ag for Life provides much-needed safety education to youth.

With a mandate to deliver rural and farm safety education to Albertans, Ag for Life brings together corporate stakeholders, not-for-profit organizations along with farmers, ranchers, and community leaders to deliver curriculum based safety education to rural students.  In 2014, Ag for Life safety programs reached more than 26,200 children, youth and adults; with the support of The Co-operators, these vital programs can continue to expand.

"The participation of The Co-operators will provide valuable expertise and increase the reach of the programs in rural Alberta communities," said Ag for Life CEO Luree Williamson.

"The Co-operators was built by farmers to take care of their communities and we take pride in maintaining our roots and the vision of those prairie farmers," said Kathy Bardswick, The Co-operators president and CEO. "As an insurance company we are committed to risk management and we are excited to work with Ag for Life to improve rural and farm safety."

Ag for Life's supported safety programs include the Barnyard and Boots Program, the Roll Over Simulator Project, Progressive Agriculture Foundation and school and community based Rural and Farm Safety Days.  The safety programs focus on teaching students the necessary skills to keep themselves and those around them safe and healthy.

About Ag for Life:
Ag for Life (Agriculture for Life) has a mandate to deliver educational programming designed to improve rural and farm safety while building public understanding around the agricultural industry.

Ag for Life is made possible through the funding and commitment of companies that employ almost 20,000 people in more than 350 Alberta communities. Founding Members include Agrium Inc., ATB Financial, ATCO Group, Penn West, Rocky Mountain Equipment, TransCanada Corporation and UFA Co-operative Limited. Contributing Members include AdFarm and Glacier Media Group. Find out more at agricultureforlife.ca.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $37 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt; Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada; and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean's magazine. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE The Co-operators