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Comox Valley non-profit promotes traditional farming in India

For many groups in the valley, annual general meetings provide an opportunity to bring people together to celebrate accomplishments and important work that’s being carried out locally and internationally.
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For many groups in the valley, annual general meetings provide an opportunity to bring people together to celebrate accomplishments and important work that’s being carried out locally and internationally.

One such group, Fertile Ground: East/West Sustainability Network, has been working to promote organic and traditional farming practices and tea cultivation in northeast India for the past 18 years. Co-ordinator Peggy Carswell is looking forward to hosting an online presentation for friends and supporters – new and old – starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28.

The presentation includes an update on a recently completed seed storage building and library in Assam that will provide safe storage of endangered varieties of rice and vegetable seed, and offer educational outreach to farmers and students.

The project was made possible through contributions from Strathcona Sunrise and Cumberland Centennial Rotary Clubs, District 5020’s District Community Grants fund, and the Mid-Island Group based in Nanaimo.

Additional funding came from the World Community Development Education Society and Edible Island Whole Foods, which both make annual contributions to Fertile Ground based on proceeds from salea of organic, fair trade teas.

“It’s been a challenging year for everyone, but lots of very positive things have been going on in the world - here as well as in Assam,” Carswell said. “I’m sure the stories and photos highlighting what our partners on the ground in India have accomplished over the past year will help lift up everyone’s spirit.”

For more information, to make a donation or to request a link to the meeting, visit www.fertile-ground.org or call (250) 337- 8348.