Regenerative agriculture proponents in Manitoba and Saskatchewan are getting another $2.3 million to work with.
On July 27, food giant General Mills and stewardship organization ALUS announced the funds as part of “a multi-year partnership to support farmers and accelerate regenerative agriculture” in the two provinces.
In a joint statement released on the ALUS website, the organizations said funds would support a pilot program. That program, called “Growing Roots” would include “both technical and financial assistance to farmers.”
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Farm mentorship and funding for on-farm projects, with a focus on soil health, are expected to fall under that umbrella. Other listed activities include data collection, research and communication with stakeholders.
“ALUS has been interested in developing a comprehensive on-field program focused on soil health for years and we’re delighted that General Mills, a leader in this area, has become our foundational partner,” ALUS chief executive Bryan Gilvesy said.
He further suggested the program might open the doors for similar engagement from other companies, governments or non-profits. The charitable organization now operates in 35 communities over six provinces.
General Mills has linked the announcement to its environmental goals. The company has set a goal of expanding regenerative agriculture practices on one million acres by 2030 and previously launched a farmer-training program.
In 2019, the company drew 45 farmers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to receive three years of holistic farm coaching through that program.
Other commitments include a 30 per cent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain and a net-zero goal by the middle of the century.
“We were drawn to ALUS’ grassroots approach with farmers at the centre,” said Mary Jane Melendez, chief sustainability and global impact officer with General Mills. “Now, interested farmers in these communities can gain a greater understanding of regenerative agriculture and how best to apply those principles to their farm’s unique environmental, social and financial context, along with the power of peer knowledge-sharing and community support.”
