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'Kernels of Hope' Assists Displaced Liberian Farmers
NORQUAY, SK (June 13, 2006) - Members of Evangelical Covenant Churches in Canada and
the United States have "bought" 155 acres of land to raise wheat crops that
eventually will benefit displaced Africans in Liberia.
The acreage triples last year's total of 55 acres and exceeds this year's
expectations of 120, says Ray Baloun, who directs the "Kernels for Hope"
project. "Farmers paid between $165 and $200 to cover the costs of farming the
land donated by three Canadian farmers.
 "No one, including me, had thought it would get
this big this year," Baloun says.
Money from the sale of the wheat crop is used to leverage additional funding
for the relief effort - the final price of wheat is matched four to one by the
Canadian International Development Agency. Last year – the project's first -
Covenanters raised $69,178 through this initiative. The money is distributed
through the Canadian Food Grains Bank and World Relief Canada.
Baloun says weather has been favorable for the crop so far. "Alberta was a
little dry earlier, but that generally is good for a crop because it makes the
roots develop more by forcing them to grow deeper to search out moisture, which
then can help them withstand dry weather that much easier later in life." He
adds, "I am pretty sure there could be a comparison to people in the same way."
Yield projections still need to be determined, Baloun says, "but if this crop
turns out as good as it looks now, we have huge potential to be helping many,
many people in Liberia this year."
Money raised from the wheat sale will benefit Liberians returning to their
country following years of civil war. The funds will purchase food, tools, and
farming supplies so the Liberians can create sustainable agriculture. Some of
the money also helps pay for rehabilitating damaged roads and bridges.
Baloun says Kernels of Hope organizers are planning a Crop Prayer Walk day
and will encourage farmers to take part wherever they are.
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