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University of Idaho

Through an experimental board game, Pest Friends, players learn how their farm and pest management skills might play out in the field.

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The Challenge

Engagement and Education on Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Every day, growers make decisions that support a robust food supply and protect the investments they’ve made in their farms, which includes managing pests. However, many audiences may not be familiar with the resources growers use and the decisions they make to protect crops.

The Solution

IPM is an integral key to resilient agricultural systems. At Syngenta, we are committed to educating our value chain partners and others interested in learning more about pest management. Our collaboration with the University of Idaho presents an opportunity to do so in a way that’s informative yet engaging.

Driven by a desire to educate and spark conversation about how our food is grown, educators with University of Idaho Extension developed an agricultural-themed board game, Pest Friends – a guided simulation of choices that affect the quantity or quality of a virtual harvest.

Throughout each growing season, players explore the different facets of IPM and navigate through scenarios that may help or hurt their bottom line, such as applying a pesticide, irrigating their field, or setting aside a few acres for grazing. With strategic and forward-thinking decision-making, players can increase their yield potential, which may help translate to bigger profits in the game.

Project Contacts

Liz Hunt

liz.hunt@syngenta.com

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