REGINA,
SK, April 25, 2024 /CNW/ - As the world
grapples with hunger crises driven by conflict, climate, and
economic challenges impacting the rising cost of food, Viterra and
Canadian Foodgrains Bank are partnering to make a difference.
2024 marks nine consecutive years
of partnership for the two Canadian organizations, as Viterra
continues to provide 267 acres of land around five of its terminals
in Alberta and Saskatchewan to the Foodgrains Bank.
The donated plots of land are used by farmers who volunteer
their time, expertise, and resources to grow crops, as part of a
community-led growing project, or as an addition to their own
farmwork. Once the crops are harvested, the proceeds from the
sale of the crops are donated to the Foodgrains Bank, to support
local partner organizations around the world who are working to end
hunger.
"With 783 million people globally experiencing hunger, and
places like Sudan experiencing
crisis levels of food insecurity, the contribution of Canadian
organizations towards this mission of ending hunger is vitally
important," says Andy Harrington,
executive director of the Foodgrains Bank. "We're very grateful for
the support Viterra continues to give and for their partnership
over the past nine years."
The Viterra terminals in Lethbridge and Trochu, Alberta, along with Viterra terminals
in Balgonie, Grenfell, and Raymore in Saskatchewan are participating this year,
totalling 267 acres seeded on behalf of the Foodgrains Bank.
"For nearly a decade, we've been proudly supporting the Canadian
Foodgrains Bank and its focus on fighting food insecurity in key
regions around the world," says Kyle
Jeworski, CEO for Viterra Canada. "I'd like to thank our
employees and farmers that will be involved in this year's growing
projects for their time and dedication in supporting this important
cause."
Food security projects implemented through the Foodgrains Bank
network include both humanitarian response projects that help
people affected by conflicts and natural disasters, as well as
development projects that help people reduce their vulnerability to
hunger and improve their resiliency in the longer-term, often
through conservation agriculture training.
In addition to providing the land, Viterra will also provide the
Foodgrains Bank with a donation of $5
for each tonne of crops donated to the organization through its
grain elevators in Western
Canada.
About Viterra
At Viterra, we believe in the power of connection. Our
world-leading, fully integrated agriculture network connects
producers to consumers with sustainable, traceable, and
quality-controlled agricultural products. With more than 16,000
talented employees operating in 38 countries, our strategic network
of agricultural storage, processing and transport assets enable us
to offer innovative solutions and open pathways for our customers,
creating successful partnerships that last. Together, we are
stronger, and achieve more.
About Canadian Foodgrains
Bank
Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 churches and
church agencies working together to end hunger. In the 2022-23
budget year, the Foodgrains Bank provided $79.8 million of assistance for 1,103,795 people
in 36 countries. Canadian Foodgrains Bank programs are undertaken
with support from the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada.
Assistance from the Foodgrains Bank is provided through its member
agencies, which work with local partners in the developing
world.
SOURCE Viterra Inc.