Canola fields in Alberta (Photo 44227556 © Mariemilyphotos | Dreamstime.com)

By Alessia Proietti and Sheldon Spackman

Central Alberta Foodgrains Growing Project

Canola seeds planted for local charity growing project

May 20, 2022 | 5:09 PM

The canola seeds have been planted for the Central Alberta Foodgrains Growing Project (CAFGP), geared towards addressing international food insecurity and assistance.

“It’s really important that those that can help, do help,” said Doug Maas, CAFGP committee member.

“Not only are you helping people throughout the world that really need this assistance, it also, within your heart, makes you feel better as well that you’re doing something; that you care about people and at the other end, they feel grateful because people care about them.”

The 27^th consecutive year for the project, all proceeds made by selling the canola crops will be donated to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank in Winnipeg, who will then choose where to allocate the donation based on assessments of which countries are in the most need.

After an extensive search for donated or loanable farmland in March, Maas and his team secured 50 acres by the end of April, nestled away on Woody Nook Rd, in the western part of Lacombe County behind a private residence.

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On May 13, one volunteer farmer prepared the field while another completed the seeding. Maas says the heavy rain over the past few days has been more than welcome.

Harvesting in the fall is also dependant on the amount of rain. While normally taking place in October, last year’s harvest was in September due to the dry season, Maas explains. Even so, the CAFGP yielded $115,000 from their canola crops grown on 120 acres which was then matched 4-1 by the federal government.

With the current global crises of the Ukrainian-Russian war, inflating gas and food prices, and supply chain difficulties, Maas says this year’s donation is more important than ever.

“The amount of people in the world that need food assistance is growing and that’s because of conflict, like in Ukraine, and it’s because of the effects of climate change as well. What we’re able to produce and sell and send to help needy people around the world is really important and it’ll continue to be important in the years ahead,” he said.

Fortunately, supply chain should not be a factor for Canadian Foodgrains Banks as they state the funds derived from the sold canola crops will be given to their trusted partners overseas to purchase food near where it is needed.

The organization, through their membership with the Humanitarian Coalition, a non-profit organization aiding in international crises, is also providing funding for Ukraine and launching an appeal to rush emergency assistance.

For central Albertans who want to help but cannot volunteer on the farmland, like those living in urban centers, Maas says they can still donate or even sponsor an acre for $100. Donations over $10 will receive tax receipts.

“The CAFGP started in 1996 and in that time we’ve raised over $1.5 million for the Foodgrains Bank,” he said. “We rely on volunteers and they’re always there for us. Agri-business as well, they supply us with seed and some inputs. It truly is a community project.”

In 2021, the Canadian Foodgrains Banks assisted just over 989,000 people in 31 different countries around the world, raising $49 million. There are around 200 charity crops across Canada, with roughly 30 of them in the province of Alberta.

For more information, contact Doug Maas at 403-782-1860.

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