Alberta ORGANIC Wheat Project

Sharon Rempel, an organic crops and seed researcher working through a charitable organization, the Garden Institute of Alberta, is coordinating project funding for organic wheat and seed research for the 2002 growing season.

One of Rempel's projects is working on wheat allergies and considering the heritage wheat varieties as options. In 2001, organic farmers field-tested a number of pre-1950 wheat varieties and found excellent quality and yield results. They are looking forward to continuing their research during this year.

One main problem has been finding funding that will allow regional organic farm groups to buy machinery to be used solely for organic work. Organic standards have zero tolerance for GMO/GE contamination, so separate equipment is required for by research organizations that work with organic seed trials. If you have small scale farming equipment to donate to organic seed work, please make contact with Rempel, who can match you with a regional farming group.

Otherwise, your support is required to get regional organic seed projects funded. Donations are tax deductible; the Garden Institute of Alberta is a registered charity and dedicated to conservation of biodiversity and support of organic agriculture. Box 1406, 5328 Calgary Trail, Edmonton, AB, T6H 4J8. Phone: 780-461-9958. Web site: members.shaw.ca/oldwheat. E-mail: slrempel@shaw.ca.