Farmers donate their time to grow wheat crops on a portion of their land set aside to be “purchased” by “virtual farmer” donors who pay the costs of rent, seed, chemicals, insurance, and custom work. When the crop is sold, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) matches the grain sales revenue on a four-to-one ratio to reach the final donation amount. That money is then distributed to the intended recipients through the Canadian Food Grains Bank (CFGB) and World Relief Canada (WRC).
Some of this year’s yield still needs to make it to the elevator, Baloun says. Final figures will be available after the entire crop is sold.
Since its inception in 2005, the project has raised more than $535,000 in relief and development funds for sustainable agriculture in Africa, says Ray Baloun, who has led the ministry. The farmers raised $69,000 the first year.
Previously, the money was directed to help farmers in Liberia. This year marks the beginning of a three-year partnership with Tearfund, a WRC partner.
Kernels for Hope farmers include several from Evangelical Covenant churches:
• Hans Andersen, who attends Rosebud Covenant Church in Rosebud, Alberta, was a virtual farmer last year, but will donate grain from his field this year
• Owen Westerlund and his father, Bruce, will plant 20 acres of Harvest wheat – they attended Hyas Covenant Church until it closed and now attend Norquay Covenant Church
• Slavek and Margaret Dasiuk, who attend College Park Covenant Church in Saskatoon, are returning for their second year and will farm 40 acres
Several non-Covenanters who previously donated money as virtual farmers also planted crops, Baloun says.
