In our ongoing series, about how government plays an essential role in working to support the dedication and passion of people and organizations in our communities, I turn my attention to the Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust.
Their project called “The Root” received a $100,000 grant from the Rural Dividend Fund last fall as an investment into food processing and greater security.
[Transcript]
Agriculture is an important industry in my community and across our bountiful province. On Salt Spring Island, there are hundreds of farms and over 3,000 hectares in production. There are a wide variety of crops supported by the rich farmland on the island, much of which can be sampled and purchased in the famous Saturday Market.
Salt Spring Island has also developed an impressive list of local producers who rely on the agricultural products of the island. It’s a truly vibrant economy with rewarding jobs, supported by an inspiring. community.
Salt Spring Island is home to an impressive seed bank, operated by the Salt Spring Island Seeds; a non-profit abattoir, supporting the livestock producers of the island; and a cluster of innovative community farms. One of those community farms is operated by Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust, a non-profit organization committed to promoting local food security.
They’ve been an important component of the island’s agricultural economy over the past ten years. Beyond operating the Burgoyne Valley Family Community Farm, they run the Shaw Family Community Gardens and actively are building The Root, a food processing and distribution facility that will also offer local food education.
The projects worked on by the farmland trust are models of community-driven rural development. There is strong dedication from the farmers in my community in my riding to growing food. Farming is hard work and requires an outstanding level of dedication.
That’s why I’m pleased to see that that the Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust received a $100,000 grant through the rural dividend program, investing much-needed resources in further developing the rural agricultural community on the island — yet another example how government can reward the hard work and devotion of incredible organizations in our community.
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