FCC AgriSpirit Fund boosts community projects

Regina, Saskatchewan, April 11, 2006 - Farm Credit Canada's (FCC) AgriSpirit Fund is enhancing community centres, food banks, recreation centres, care homes and playgrounds in rural communities across the country.

“The FCC AgriSpirit Fund was a great success last year and we're proud to offer it again this year,” says John Ryan, FCC President and CEO. “The enthusiastic response of nearly 300 applications is a glowing example of the energy and passion for community enhancement in rural Canada.”

The FCC AgriSpirit Fund awards capital project funding in communities with populations less than 100,000. To qualify, projects must enhance the quality of life for people in rural communities.

The Acme Community Hall in Acme, Alberta will benefit from $13,500 to assist in rebuilding the original hall that was destroyed by fire in 2004. When the project is complete, Acme and surrounding communities will once again have a building large enough to accommodate weddings, graduations, concerts, disaster responses and school evacuations.

The Prince Edward Holstein Club in Picton, Ontario will receive $15,000 to construct a pole building to house a show ring for dairy, beef, equine and sheep events and bleachers for spectator seating. The new building will also benefit 4-H club events, agriculture industry events and the arts community for summer plays and concerts.

This year, 42 projects were selected from 283 applications to receive between $5,000 and $25,000 in funding. All winning projects will be announced between April 15th and June 30th.

“Last year's FCC AgriSpirit Fund projects came to life with remarkable results,” says Kellie Garrett, FCC Senior Vice-President of Strategy, Knowledge and Reputation. “Communities across the country are enjoying new fire-fighting equipment, community centres, daycares, museums and recreational facilities.”

The FCC AgriSpirit Fund will be available again next year. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the FCC website this fall. Details about the eligibility criteria and the application process will be available at www.fcc-fac.ca in the About Us section.

FCC is Canada's largest provider of business and financial solutions to farms and agribusiness. Operating out of 100 offices located primarily in rural Canada, FCC employees are passionate about the business of agriculture. A healthy portfolio of $11 billion and 12 consecutive years of portfolio growth are a reflection of our customers' success.

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For more information about the FCC AgriSpirit Fund click here, or contact:

Leanna Jenkins
Corporate Communication (English)
Farm Credit Canada
(306) 780-6987

Mireille Bilodeau VongPhit
Corporate Communication (Bilingual)
Farm Credit Canada
(306) 780-8630