The Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group (GDDPC) is a recipient of the AgriSpirit Fund for a renewable energy project at the Cocagne Community Garden and the winner of the Economic and Social Inclusion Award in the nonprofit sector.
Food Security So No Child Goes Hungry in Beausoleil
In collaboration with the Beausoleil Rural Community, the GDDPC received $25,000 from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) through the FCC AgriSpirit Fund to install renewable energy systems and modernize community garden infrastructure in order to extend food production and educational programs throughout the year.
By December 2028, the GDDPC will install a small wind turbine and a second solar air heater at the Cocagne community garden to increase the temperature and hours of light in the “walipini” greenhouse, which is primarily used for winter vegetable production for the school. In addition, we are improving storage capacity in the community root cellar to meet the growing demand for its use.
The goal is to continue growing and distributing approximately 5,000 livres of pesticide-free vegetables each year to the community and to offer an educational program on local food and small-scale ecological agriculture. Vegetables from the Cocagne community garden are very popular at the school, at the “Bien vieillir chez soi Beausoleil” senior meal program, at the Shediac food bank and at community dinners.
The Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group has been recognized by the Society for Economic and Social Inclusion. It received the award in the nonprofit sector for its daily commitment and leadership, its accomplishments, and the positive influence it has on those around it.
The Cocagne Community Garden is very grateful for this support!
