Rewarding Students for Innovative Stewardship Ideas

CAMPBELLFORD, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 19, 2013) - Students interested in the air they breathe, the water they drink and the land they live on will be keen on entering the 2013 Caring for our Watersheds(TM) contest.

Geared for grade 8 to 9 students, individuals interested in the environment can submit their ideas to the Caring for our Watersheds program for a chance to win $1,000 for themselves and $1,000 for their school. Plus, an additional $10,000 in funding is also available to help implement the contest ideas.

Agrium Inc. (TSX and NYSE: AGU) and Lower Trent Conservation (LTC) are proud to bring this international competition to Ontario. "Over the past several years, students have provided viable answers to the question - What can you do to improve your watershed?" explains Lindsey Metheral, Agrium Program Advisor. "It is apparent how much future generations care about watersheds, their world and their place in it."

"The creativity this contest affords students is beneficial for our environment and the communities we serve," says Anne Anderson, LTC Special Projects Coordinator. "Anytime we can engage and involve our younger generation in environmental conversation benefits us all. They are actively seeking ways to make our communities sustainable for future generations and we are here to help them."

The entry deadline for students living in the Lower Trent watershed region and attending school in the Campbellford - Brighton area is March 25, 2013. The top 6 finalists will be judged by the community and the winners will be announced on April 25, 2013.

Several years ago, Lower Trent Conservation was approached by former Campbellford resident and Agrium CEO, Mike Wilson, to coordinate an Ontario version of the competition. After launching the program in Campbellford in 2011, Brighton schools were approached to participate in 2012 with the support of an Agrium Advanced Technologies office located in Brighton. Wilson has personally donated the prize money for the competition. For more information please visit www.CaringForOurWatersheds.com or www.ltc.on.ca/events/education.

About Agrium:

Agrium Inc. is a major retail supplier of agricultural products and services in Australia and North and South America and a leading global producer and marketer of agricultural nutrients and industrial products. Agrium produces and markets three primary groups of nutrients: nitrogen, phosphate and potash as well as controlled release fertilizers and micronutrients. Agrium's strategy is to grow through incremental expansion of its existing operations and acquisitions as well as the development, commercialization and marketing of new products and international opportunities. Contact us at: www.agrium.com.

About Lower Trent Conservation

Lower Trent Conservation is a community-based environmental agency that protects, restores and manages the natural resources within its watershed. Lower Trent Conservation works with local communities to create a healthy, environmentally diverse watershed that improves the quality of life for residents, makes our area more appealing to visitors and new business, and helps to ensure a more vibrant regional economy. Education and outreach are critically important to Lower Trent Conservation and we continually work to engage residents in environmentally sustainable behaviours and drawing attention to conservation issues. Contact us at: www.ltc.on.ca

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Media Contacts:
Agrium Inc.
Lindsey Metheral
Program Advisor
403-225-7782
lindsey.metheral@agrium.com


Lower Trent Conservation
Marilyn Bucholtz
Communications Coordinator
613-394-3915 ext. 216
marilyn.bucholtz@ltc.on.ca