Teenagers who are interested in helping disabled children can become involved in a project where they learn about agriculture and earn money for charity.
The Easter Seals program has joined with Monsanto to form Crop for Kids. Twelve to 14 year olds are invited to pick up a kit at authorized seed dealers and grow one of four hybrid canolas on an acre of land next year. The proceeds from the crop are then donated to Easter Seals.
The program is offered in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and is the first of its kind in Canada combining a charity with youth education, said Max Beck of the Easter Seals campaign.
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“Hopefully, it will get young people thinking about this,” he said. “It’s a warm program and we hope it catches fire.”
Agricore United, Pioneer Grain and Saskatchewan Wheat Pool have agreed to be collection and donation depots.
Troy Clugston of Monsanto said the program is voluntary and landowners will receive a tax receipt.
The concept is similar to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank where crops are designated and the proceeds donated to charity.
Rural schools will soon receive information packages and a 32-page magazine called Future Producer that tells students about agricultural innovations, scientific breakthroughs in crop production and nutraceuticals and agriculture career opportunities.
