Growing Green Hectares
Published October 24, 2008
Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 2 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and plan to view a potential Green Hectares location. Though the business plan for this project and the equestrian survey is still not complete, an opportunity to purchase a parcel that meets many of the needs for both communities has become available. Containing two indoor arenas, 50 plus stalls and numerous paddocks all on a quarter section near the Blackfoot Reserve the committee is now looking to the community to support the project financially. Is this the location? Possibly.
Green Hectares, once a committee of the Josephburg Agriculture Society is now an association of its own. Just an idea less than two years ago, a desire to assist young people to stay involved in agriculture pursuits is becoming a reality. Utilizing the results of a Community Futures Study on what young people aged 18 - 33 want and need to keep them in the business of agriculture, Green Hectares will be a physical and virtual support for them.
Primary production, competition, agri-tourism or agri-business, Green Hectares will utilize technology, research and programming, to insure urban and rural residents stay in touch with the current reality of what agriculture is. Milk is not produced on the grocery shelf.
Young people are not only the target audience but are the major support for the project. At the recent fundraiser more than 50 young people organized, M.C.'d, served as table hosts and donated some truly unique auction items. Additional information on Green Hectares and the location of the open house can be found at www.greenhectaresonline.com.
Often referred to as the Horse Capital of Canada, Strathcona County homeowners may soon have a facility for regional competitions right here at home! Agri-tourism, sorely lacking in Strathcona, will have a new venue. People and agri-business will support the industry from production to market.
Urbanization and farm biosecurity have distanced our population from actual food production. Green Hectares will serve as a vital link to the farm gate for today and tomorrow's consumer, "by creating experiences to grow the future of agriculture."
Will this location be the final location? Perhaps not. Green Hectares may end up with multiple locations but if you own a horse and compete, I would encourage you to check out this location. Now is the time to show your support.
Jacquie Fenske
Councillor, Ward 5
780-464-8147
fenske@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Page ID: 2019