Agriculture students cash in on bright ideas

Regina, Saskatchewan, August 29, 2006 – Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is awarding cash to 100 agriculture students with the best business plans in their class.

The FCC Business Planning Award challenges students in agriculture diploma or degree programs to partner with parents, industry specialists and experienced farm operators to develop real-life business plans. The goal is to facilitate the exchange of ideas between different generations. Winning entries must demonstrate sound business planning practices and innovative solutions for real-life scenarios in agriculture.

A total of $79,000 is being awarded to students across Canada in their second and final year of an agriculture diploma program and third or fourth year of an agriculture degree program. Each participating agriculture college will receive a maximum of $6,000. Individuals can win as much as $2,500.  See the attached background information for a list of 2005-06 award winners.

Solid business plans are one of the keys to success for young farmers. The Business Planning Award is part of FCC’s commitment to the growth of agriculture and the successful transfer of farming operations to the next generation. FCC also provides management information, financing, insurance, software and easy access to agriculture news to help young farmers experience greater success.

For more information about FCC’s Business Planning Awards, visit www.fcc-businessplanningaward.ca.

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 $12 billion and 13 consecutive years of portfolio growth are a reflection of our customers' success.

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For more information, please contact:

Melanie Lightfoot
Corporate Communication (English)
Farm Credit Canada
306-780-6768

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