Everything from local businesses to county programs have suffered financially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic this past year.

That list includes the county’s 4-H program, which has been forced to cancel fundraisers and events for safety purposes because of COVID-19.

So it’s great to see the Butler County 4-H and the Penn State Extension taking part in a seed sale to recoup lost revenue. The initiative shows ingenuity on the part of its participants, and we hope county green thumbs will consider purchasing seeds to support county 4-H programs.

Although the seeds are certified for 2020, the county 4-H’s educator, Amy Metrick, said they will still grow, even if their germination takes slightly longer.

The seeds include a variety of vegetables — everything from tomatoes to watermelon — and annual and perennial flowers.

The suggested donation is 50 cents per seed packet with a $2 handling fee to cover the postage and envelopes required for mailing.

The project came about when the Butler Rural King donated more than 14,000 seed packets to the 4-H organization.

The initiative couldn’t come at a better time. A number of events at which the 4-H held its biggest annual fundraisers — such as October’s 4-H Benefit Auction, the petting zoo at the Big Butler Fair and the Butler Farm Show’s livestock sale — were canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19.

In Pennsylvania, 4-H plays an important role by getting young people interested in agriculture.

Agriculture is the state’s top industry, employing more than 500,00 people and making up approximately 18 percent of Pennsylvania’s economy.

However, studies have shown the agriculture industry is failing to replace its aging workforce, and that an employee deficit of 75,000 people is expected over the next decade.

The number of state agriculture workers in their 20s and 30s has dropped from more than 50 percent to about 40 percent over 20 years.

So, promoting initiatives such as the seed fundraiser that support 4-H clubs is not only beneficial for young people’s growth — a 2014 Tufts University study found that students in 4-H clubs improve their confidence and character, and are more likely to contribute to their communities — but it’s also vital for the state’s economy.

Details on the 4-H’s seed program can be found by clicking on the events tab on the group’s Facebook page.

The goal is to raise between $2,500 to $7,000 through the seed fundraiser that will go toward registration fees at state, regional and national leadership events as well as a scholarship fund for graduating seniors.

Let’s help them get there.

— NCD