MONTREAL, Sept. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- A $5,000 donation from Lallemand Plant Care will go to the St. Jean Baptiste Historical Society to support the preservation of an important historic site in the community, thanks to Apinya Roy, Alberta winner of the 2026 Hometown Roots Contest.

Roy's winning video captured her and her husband visiting a neighbour's wheat harvest, enjoying watching the combines work and the grain trucks haul harvested grain. Roy's husband retired from farming five years ago, but the couple still lives on their family farm and help their farming friends during harvest when an extra hand is needed.

"This donation will help support the restoration and preservation of an important historic site in Alberta that marks the beginnings of the early settlers who established this community. It will also help promote historical tourism," says Roy.

The St. Jean Baptiste Historical Society is working to preserve the historic site for future generations. Supporting the project will help protect an important part of the community's history while creating an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the area.

"Our ancestors laid the foundation for the farming communities we have today. Supporting projects like this helps preserve our history while strengthening the communities that continue to grow because of agriculture," says Roy. "We are deeply grateful to Lallemand for supporting the St. Jean Baptiste Historical Society and rural communities across Canada through the Hometown Roots Contest."

"The Hometown Roots Contest is about celebrating the people who make rural communities special and helping them give back in meaningful ways. We're proud that Apinya's winning entry will help support a project that benefits the community and future generations," says Anne Favre, Strategic Marketing Director – USA & Canada, Lallemand Plant Care.

About the Hometown Roots Contest

Launched in 2021, Lallemand's Hometown Roots Contest celebrates the deep connection to agriculture and rural life within communities across Canada and the U.S. Since its launch, the contest has recognized 34 winners and donated a total of $170,000 to local organizations across North America.

The 2026 contest ran from January 26 to July 13, with one $5,000 donation awarded in each of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Winners selected a local community organization or charity to receive the donation.

For more information, visit https://lallemandhometownroots.com.

About Lallemand
For over 100 years, Lallemand has been an expert in yeast and bacteria manufacturing. It is now a global leader in the development, production, and marketing of microorganisms for various industries. Using sound science and know-how, Lallemand Plant Care provides effective microbial-based solutions that deliver agronomic, economic, and sustainable value to growers. For more information, visit www.lallemand.com

SOURCE Lallemand Plant Care