ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA -- (Marketwire) -- 02/19/13 -- 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 6 to 8 classrooms, students interested in the environment can submit their ideas to the Caring for our Watersheds program for a chance to win $1,000 for their classroom. Over $15,000 in cash awards are up for grabs plus an additional $10,000 in funding is also available to help implement the contest ideas.

When sixth grade science students at H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program examined stream conditions at Gulf Branch in Arlington, they noticed that the vegetation alongside the stream was dominated by invasive species. As part of the Caring for our Watersheds program the students decided to plant a demonstration garden at school and develop an elementary-school teaching packet that could be used to show how invasive plants affect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Agrium Inc. (TSX and NYSE: AGU) and Earth Force are proud to bring this international competition to Virginia. "Through the 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 Kurt Moser, Earth Force. "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 City of Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax counties is March 20, 2013. The top 10 finalists will be judged by the community and the winners will be announced on April 24, 2013.

For more information please visit www.CaringForOurWatersheds.com or to schedule a media interview, please contact Kurt Moser at 703-684-0178.

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 Earth Force:

Earth Force engages young people as active citizens who improve the environment and their communities now and in the future. Earth Force is a leading not-for-profit organization who provides community partner networking, training for local groups, and curriculum resources to run service-learning and civic action programs in their community. Contact us at: www.earthforce.org