The Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF) has granted a total of $74,000 to three local farm projects.
The projects are the recipients of the 2019 Agricultural Enhancement Grants for the revitalization of unused or under-utilized land in the Agricultural Land Reserve, with the objective of creating more usable and productive farmland.
The grants were awarded to FarmFolk CityFolk, Field House Brewing Co. and Holbrow Farms.
FarmFolk CityFolk plans to transform 3.5 acres of currently fallow farmland into organic seed production and generate revenue through the sales of high-quality seeds.
Field House Brewing plans to convert a five-acre farm on Matsqui Prairie into productive farmland. The project aims to plant 2.5 acres of barley, wheat and oats; revitalize an existing fruit orchard; and maximize fruit and vegetable production.
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Holbrow Farms plans to revitalize 3.5 acres of farmland into vegetable and fruit production.
The ACF has been providing grants to the agricultural community annually since 2013 in partnership with the City of Abbotsford.
ACF board chair Lorna Hart said the foundation has provided more than $700,000 in these grants in the past six years.
The grants committee is composed of local farmers and individuals with a passion for serving the local farming community.
“The focus of revitalization of unused or under-utilized farm land in Abbotsford has been identified as an area that should be expanded on,” said Marcus Janzen, chair of the Agricultural Enhancement Grants committee.
ACF executive director Wendy Neufeld said there were a number of worthy applications.
“Our agriculture grants committee chose three excellent projects whose outcomes will have a positive impact in agriculture production in our community,” she said.
A presentation of the grants was held at each farm location and a short video summary of the projects will be available for viewing on the ACF website (abbotsfordcf.org).
