A weekly press release prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. If you require further information, regarding this press release, please call the Fergus Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA Website:www.ontario.ca/omafra
REMINDER – LOCAL FOOD FORUM
submitted by Kate Vsetula, Project Coordinator,
Wellington County Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Map
A gathering of businesses, agencies and consumers looking to connect the dots around local food on Monday, May 5th, 2008 at the Guelph Community Health Centre, 176 Wyndham Street, North, Guelph from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Limited space – please R.S.V.P to Kate Vsetula at 519-821-5363 ext 335 or wellington.buylocal@sympatico.ca
Come and Learn about different local food initiatives in Guelph and Wellington County. Guest Speakers will speak at 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and they are: Kate Vsetula, Wellington County’s Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Initiative; Karen Landman, University of Guelph, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development; Nelson Wideman, Elmira Produce Auction and Peter Katona, Foodlink Waterloo Region. Local Food – Lunch Served at 12:00 p.m. – Discussion and Networking 12:15p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
MONSANTO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
This year, Monsanto Canada estimates it will provide approximately 50 scholarships to deserving high school students across the country entering their first year of post-secondary education in agriculture or forestry. Each scholarship is valued at $1,500 and will be awarded to students who meet the following criteria:
ª Students must be from an agricultural or forestry family farming operation with plans to enter their first year of post-secondary education in agricultural sciences or forestry;
ª Students must have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership capabilities and active involvement in their local community;
ª Complete applications, including an application essay, must be post-marked no later than May 16, 2008.
For more information or an application form please call Monsanto Canada’s CustomCare line at 1-800-667-4944 or visit www.monsanto.ca
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN
by John C. Benham, EFP Program Rep
In Wellington County between April 18/05 and March 31/08, the Cost Share Programs provided more than $2.5-million dollars to assist farmers to make environmental improvements to their farms. Approximately half of the total was provided for improved manure storage.
The 2008 program is similar to the former but there are several improvements. If you wish to participate, you must complete the 2008 application after reading the 2008 Cost Share brochure. There is a small amount of money available in the Greenbelt Program. If you require information or the forms, please call John Benham at 519-846-3394.
GIANT HOGWEED
by John C. Benham, Wellington County Weed Inspector
The Giant Hogweed is an invasive alien plant that is a very serious health concern. If you know of an infestation or even an individual plant, please inform John Benham at 519-846-3394. It is a very large plant about 6 feet or more tall, with leaves 3 feet wide attached to a 3 to 4 inch stem, usually with purple flecks. Do Not Touch this weed, without protection!
COMING EVENTS:
May 7 Wellington Federation of Agriculture, monthly Board meeting at OMAFRA Boardroom, Wellington Place. For information, contact Secretary, Lisa Hern at 519-848-3774 or email jplh@golden.net.
May 13 Dufferin Federation of Agriculture, monthly Board meeting at Holmes Agro. For information, contact Secretary, Waldo Henderson at 519-941-0490.
June 18 – 19 Ontario Pork Congress. Watch for details on the 2008 program at: http://www.porkcongress.on.ca/. Check out the Weekend Warrior BBQ competition on June 19th – two classes: professional and amateur, $35 entry fee. For more information, contact: Deb Campbell 519-235-1609.
