Key Takeaways
- After a successful two-year pilot, ALUS and General Mills are expanding their regenerative agriculture program, Growing Roots.
- The program has enrolled 115 producers managing 234 projects across over 12,000 acres.
- Participants have shown strong interest in continuing and expanding their involvement with ALUS.
- The program highlights the importance of local leadership and community resilience in agriculture.
- General Mills has committed additional funding to support the program through 2026.
ALUS and General Mills are set to expand their regenerative agriculture pilot program, Growing Roots, after surpassing several targets during the initial two-year period. The partnership, which focuses on sustainable agriculture and community resilience, has seen significant success and aims to build on this foundation through 2026 with incremental funding from General Mills.
Achievements of the Pilot Program
Launched in 2022, Growing Roots has demonstrated the potential and benefits of regenerative agriculture. Over the first two years, ALUS enrolled 115 producers managing 234 regenerative agriculture projects across more than 12,000 acres of farmland. This impressive participation reflects the agricultural community’s growing interest in practices that enhance soil health and environmental resilience.
“Growing Roots is a shining example of how ALUS empowers local leaders to build programs that benefit farmers, communities, ecosystems, and businesses,” said Jay Watson, Director of Regenerative Agriculture at General Mills. “Together, we have accelerated regenerative agriculture in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and we’re proud to continue our support of ALUS and their innovative model of shared value creation for all.”
Benefits for Participants
The pilot program has not only expanded the use of regenerative practices but has also fostered significant learning and networking among participants. Over 60 percent of those involved tried a new practice or learned from their peers, demonstrating the program’s role in education and knowledge transfer. Additionally, 60 percent of participants expressed interest in continuing their work with ALUS, highlighting the program’s potential for long-term impact.
Bryan Gilvesy, CEO of ALUS, emphasized the importance of General Mills’ support, stating, “The majority of Growing Roots participants have not previously worked with ALUS and noted that they would participate in future regenerative agriculture programming. The success of this program demonstrates that there are opportunities for continued engagement and support.”
Expanding Community Engagement
The pilot program’s success is partly attributed to ALUS’s community-delivery model, which emphasizes local decision-making and rural resilience. The Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC), consisting of farmers, ranchers, local government, and environmental experts, plays a crucial role in this model. Growing Roots enhances this structure with a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) comprised of prairie producers experienced in regenerative agriculture, ensuring local leadership and effective knowledge sharing.
“Farmers look to each other to find guidance and support, and ALUS helps create the community needed for this,” said Tennis Axten, TAC member and owner-operator of Axten Farms. “Participating in the Growing Roots program as a member of the TAC allows me to provide that support by sharing the successes and failures my operation has experienced with a larger network of producers. General Mills’ support for ALUS and Growing Roots is not only an investment in Canada’s agricultural ecosystems but also in the communities that are responsible for building a better future.”
