FCC AgriSpirit Fund enhancing rural communities with $1 million of support

Rural community groups can view the eligibility requirements and apply online by visiting www.fccagrispiritfund.ca for an opportunity to access some of the $1 million that FCC has committed to capital projects under the AgriSpirit Fund.

“FCC offers specialized financing and services specifically designed for primary producers, agribusinesses and agri-food operators across Canada. FCC’s service to the agriculture industry puts us in the unique position as a trusted partner to contribute to the lives of farm families and rural communities,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO. “We contribute to the communities where our customers and employees live and work – supporting rural community projects through the FCC AgriSpirit Fund is one way we can make a real difference.”

For a project to be considered for funding, it must meet specific criteria and be completed before December 31, 2017. The application period will close on May 18, 2015 and FCC will announce the selected projects in August 2015. A list of past projects that have received FCC AgriSpirit funding can be found by clicking on the “past-projects” link at www.fccagrispiritfund.ca.

For the past 12 years, FCC has awarded rural community groups between $5,000 and $25,000 in FCC AgriSpirit funding for various community improvement initiatives. From purchasing equipment for emergency services and recreation centres to building care homes and playgrounds, FCC AgriSpirit funding supports key projects that enhance the community.

In 2014, FCC received 1,100 applications for FCC AgriSpirit funding and gave $1 million to 78 community groups across Canada – a strong indication that rural Canadians are passionate about community enhancement.

“I really respect all the dedicated volunteers and organizations that are working hard to build and enhance communities across Canada,” Hoffort said. “Through the FCC AgriSpirit Fund, we can partner with rural community groups and help them make even more of a difference in their communities.”

In 2015-16, FCC will donate $3 million to charitable organizations and non- profit groups in the communities where our customers and employees live and work. Since inception of the FCC AgriSpirit Fund in 2004, FCC has supported almost 900 capital projects in rural Canada totaling over $8.5 million in donations.

FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture lender, with a healthy portfolio of $27.3 billion and 21 consecutive years of portfolio growth. FCC is strong and stable – committed to serving the industry through all cycles, and to being socially and environmentally responsible. FCC provides financing, insurance, software, learning programs and other business services to producers, agribusinesses and agri-food operations. Employees understand agriculture and are committed to the success of customers and the industry. With FCC in the market, producers benefit, agriculture benefits, rural Canada benefits and so do all Canadians. For more information, visit www.fcc.ca. Follow Farm Credit Canada on Facebook, LinkedIn, and on Twitter @FCCagriculture.

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For more information, photos or interviews, contact:

Trevor Sutter
Corporate Communication
Farm Credit Canada
1-855-780-5313
trevor.sutter@fcc.ca