With many area farmers just starting to hit the fields, the Central Alberta Growing Project is breathing a sigh of relief as they've secured some land for this year's charity crop, just in time.

(File photo from Central Alberta Growing Project charity harvest at their crop just east of Lacombe on Sept. 30/17)

Project member Doug Maas says they'll be back east of Lacombe, just northwest of Clive this year.

“The farm family that helped us last year with 160 acres of canola was able to come through with another 100 acres of wheat for this year, so we very, very fortunate that they are that generous, and the project lives on for its 23rd year”.

Last year's project was their most successful in terms of fundraising, bringing in $117,000 which was matched 4-1 by the federal government and sent along to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank to support the work they do to end world hunger.

Maas says with securing the land just last week, they are now scrambling a bit to get ready to seed, and they could use some help.

“So now we’re a little bit behind the 8 ball for arranging for inputs and cash donations, but we’re gearing that up and I’m sure people will come through like they have in other years.  People can donate let’s say $100 if they wish and they will get a charitable tax receipt and they’ll become part of the project.  We’ll use that money for our crop insurance and those inputs that aren’t donated.  It’s called the Sponsor an Acre program and we’ve had it for 23 years and it’s been very successful”.

If you’re interested in supporting the project, you can contact Doug Maas at 403-782-1860.

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank just announced 13 new projects this spring, some are food assistance projects, some are food security related, helping in countries like Haiti, Laos, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Kenya, South Sudan and those areas with the greatest need.