On the May long weekend, the Central Alberta growing project seeded canola on 120 acres to help end hunger. Started in 1996 by a group of Lacombe County farmers, the growing project is one of the oldest in Canada. (Photo: Submitted)
It’s that time of year again, when growers across Canada are planting seeds they hope will turn into a healthy, bountiful crop. Some have additional goals, like the farmers with the Central Alberta growing project. On the May long weekend, they seeded canola on 120 acres to raise funds that will support people facing hunger around the world.
Started in 1996 by a group of Lacombe County farmers, the Central Alberta growing project is one of the oldest in Canada. It’s one of over 30 in Alberta and more than 200 across the country that bring together farmers and farm supporters to grow and sell a crop, donating the profits to Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
Over 25 years, the Central Alberta growing project has been located in many different Lacombe County fields, wherever land could be obtained to plant a crop.
Continuing to provide assistance to the most vulnerable people is critical in the present environment.
“Vital food assistance goes to countries where people are facing hunger because of poverty, conflict, or natural disasters,” says Committee member Doug Maas. “Right now our country has significant challenges with the pandemic crisis, but the countries we support don’t have the financial or medical resources that our governments do to help people in need. Continuing to provide assistance to the most vulnerable people is critical in the present environment.”
“We had a great team effort from farmers and businesses that helped with land availability, soil testing, seed donation, fertilizer trucking and application, discing, harrowing and seeding.”—Doug Maas, Central Alberta growing project
The project is well-supported by the community, including agri-businesses that donate crop inputs and help out in other ways too.
“This spring we had a great team effort from farmers and businesses that helped with land availability, soil testing, seed donation, fertilizer trucking and application, discing, harrowing and seeding. The agricultural community always rises to the occasion for us,” says Maas.
The seeds are in the ground, and with the tenacious efforts of the Central Alberta growing project team, the crops will grow, as will the hope of a world without hunger.
Learn about the impact of the coronavirus on hunger and ways you or your community can respond HERE.
