FAQs

Q:
Where do you farm?
A:
In 2009, One Earth Farms operated only in Saskatchewan. In 2010, we expanded our farming operations to include both Saskatchewan and Alberta. Our goal is to be operating across the three Prairie Provinces by 2012.
Q:
What do you grow?
A:
In 2011, we will be planting wheat, canola, barley, flax, and peas. 2010 also saw the first herd of One Earth Farms cattle, marked with our brand:

One Earth Farms brand
Q:
How many people work at One Earth Farms?
A:
When One Earth Farms was publicly launched in March 2009, there were fewer than 10 people, working part time, for the company. At the end of March 2010, we had more than 30 full-time employees and 37 part-time, contract and seasonal employees. At the peak of the 2010 season, there were more than 100 seasonal and full-time OEF employees.

 

2010 Peak Actual

% First Nations

Current 2011

% First Nations

2011 Peak Projections

Back office support, including Operational Directors

36

34%

34

26%

37

Operations Management and Administration

4

25%

20

10%

24

Field Employees

68

48%

30

67%

130

Totals

108

 

84

 

191
Q:
Which First Nations have benefitted from employment opportunities at OEF?
A:
Blood Tribe
Keeseekoose First Nation
George Gordon First Nation
Yellow Quill First Nation
Muskowekwan First Nation
Star Blanket First Nation
Little Black Bear First Nation
Poundmaker First Nation
Kamloops Indian Band
Thunderchild First Nation
Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation
Kahkewistahaw First Nation
Buffalo River Dene Nation
Q:
How much do you pay per acre?
A:
Payments are based on a fair-value assessment. Key determinates of land values include assessed values, local market rates, recent sales, historical yields, cropping varietal potentials, farmability, nutrient levels, distance to markets, and proximity to other OEF farming interests. In our leases, we review rates at different points during the term of the lease to ensure that if the value in the area changes, our rates reflect those changes.
Q:
What kind of leases do you use?
A:
One Earth Farms has a responsibility to its shareholders to ensure that the agreements we enter into are legally recognized. On reserve-status lands, this usually means Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) permits, for Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) lands that have not converted to reserve status, we sign a lease agreement with the Trust. Sometimes this is a standard agreement developed by the Trust and sometimes by One Earth Farms. Leasing arrangements on non First-Nations lands in the Province of Alberta are consistent with industry practice in Alberta.
Q:
When does training start?
A:
Training for new employees will always be busiest in the first part of the year before seeding and later in the summer before harvest. Longer-term employees will receive training throughout the year.
Q:
How long is One Earth Farms going to be around?
A:
Our focus is on building long term, enhanced sustainable returns to our shareholders within the context of eco-sustainability.