The Canadian Foodgrains Bank looks forward to the new crop year and 1,000 more acres in Saskatchewan projects to help feed the world’s hungry.
Jim Cornelius, the bank’s executive director, said volunteers are already assembling at the projects to begin seeding.
“There’s a lot of energy and excitement about the new season,” he said.
While some projects have been dropped, others have been added on the Prairies to grow a host of commodities, he said. Saskatchewan acreage is expected to jump to 6,400 acres from last year’s 5,400.
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Total acres will not be known until seeding is completed, he said.
Cornelius cited a new silage project northwest of Edmonton in addition to ongoing projects in Picture Butte, Alta.
Those projects raised $50,000 last year in the heart of cattle country, he said.
“Despite having very tough times, they still manage to keep this project going,” said Cornelius.
In Saskatchewan, the Covenant Church of Norquay is soliciting sponsorships from its affliliated churches across Canada for a 55 acre project.
At Wakaw, the Pentecostal Church has secured seven quarters of land with support from its large urban churches.
“They’re re reaching out to urban churches and people outside the province to get involved in these programs,” he said.
In Manitoba, a new 154 acre project is to begin at Rosenort.
“There seems to be a sense of optimism despite last year’s poor harvest. Everyone is hoping for a good season here.”
Last year, Manitoba donated 4,054 tonnes of grain, Alberta kicked in 5,559 tonnes and Saskatchewan contributed 5,782 tonnes.
Nationwide, the total was 22,050, with the Prairies donating more than 15,000 tonnes, worth $2.2 million.
The Prairies also donated $1.8 million in cash to the foodgrains bank.
Last week, the federal government announced its continuing support for the bank by pledging $48 million over three years.
The foodgrains bank is owned by 13 Canadian church agencies that work with international partners to distribute aid. Its proceeds are matched four to one by the Canadian International Development Agency.
