JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – As part of its sustainability strategy, TSX-listed exploration and development company Continental Gold will contribute about $370 000 towards a programme developed to support agricultural development in western Antioquia, in north-west Colombia.

The Future Harvest programme, aimed at directly benefiting the communities of Buriticá, Santa Fe de Antioquia, Giraldo and Cañasgordas, which are all in Continental Gold’s direct area of influence, promotes agricultural best practice through public–private partnerships and funding to help develop sustainable agriculture initiatives.

This should help develop sustainable economic activity in the region, while protecting the environment.

"Through responsible, legal and organised mining, we can generate income to transform our land. With Future Harvest, on the day mining operations finish, we can guarantee that there will be sustainable economic activity in the municipality," noted Buriticá mayor Humberto Castaño after a recent presentation on the programme, which included the mayors from the four communities in the region, as well as the public, private and educational entities supporting the programme.

Giraldo mayor Wilmar Adrián Manco added: "It is beautiful to know that mining is considered an ally by farmers. Continental's Future Harvest is contributing to moving our farmers forward. We believe that this mining project will generate a lot of development," he said.

FACILITATING INVESTMENT
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the programme, Continental Gold created the Future Harvest agricultural fund for the exclusive benefit of farmers. The programme has initially aligned with 14 private and public entities to provide solid support for the programme, which requires a total investment of $518 000.

The first seven business plans funded under Future Harvest include programmes for the cultivation of coffee, plantains, poultry, garden produce, strawberries, as well as for fish farming and fibre production. Each business plan was structured with the communities, as well as local and regional institutions, taking into account local production capacities, soil productivity and quality, and other variables, while promoting efficient water resource management and the use of best agricultural practices to balance project development and environmental protection.

The business plans feature the development of an integrated rural programme, ongoing training and the transfer of productive assets. They also provide access to savings programmes and support regarding consumption.