Applications now open for Century Farms Award

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Saskatchewan has witnessed some remarkable contributions from its citizens over its 100-plus-year history – none greater than those of its agricultural producers.

The Century Family Farm Awards, which are now accepting applications for 2007, offer a wonderful opportunity to honour that legacy.

Introduced in 1981, the award is available to families that have farmed the same land continuously for 100 years or more.

This year, the application process has been made easier than ever.

In 2005, the Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan (ISC) and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF) first partnered in co-ordinating the awards as part of the province’s Centennial celebrations. This year, ISC will manage all aspects of the program itself, which has allowed some procedural streamlining.

“The goal was to make the application process as easy for the families as possible,” said Grant Bastedo, the Director of Public Affairs for ISC.

In the past, applicants were required to supply all historical documentation along with their applications. This often involved some detailed researching and combing of family archives, he noted.

Now, however, as the provincial Crown corporation responsible for the administration of land titles, ISC will be able conduct a search of its online database on behalf of all applicants, at no cost to the families.

“We can now do a lot of the legwork for these families if they provide us with the legal land description and their ancestor’s name,” Bastedo said. “This will make it considerably less difficult for them to apply for this wonderful tribute.”

Additional information and application forms for the Century Family Farm Award are available on the ISC website at www.isc.ca/cffa, or by calling toll free 1-866-ASK-ISC1 (1-866-275-4721).

The deadline for submitting 2007 applications is April 30.

In order for a farming operation to be eligible for a Century Family Farm Award, members of the same family must have farmed the land continuously for 100 years or more. The family must live in Saskatchewan and continue to operate the farm. Applicants are eligible for one award per family.

Recipients have the option of receiving an etched glass figure or an indoor wall plaque free of charge, or a gate sign for an additional fee. They will also receive a copy of the original land grant, and award certificates will be provided to family members chosen by the applicant.

For more information, contact:
Grant Bastedo, Director of Public Affairs
Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 787-3447
E-mail: grant.bastedo@isc.ca