A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) and the Ministry of Rural Affairs (MRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30am to 5pm.
For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAF website: www.ontario.ca/omaf and/or the MRA website: www.ontario.ca/mra.
THE LOCAL FOOD FUND
The Local Food Fund is a three-year initiative with funding of up to $10 million per year to support innovative local food projects that reduce barriers to regional economic development; result in sustainable regional economic development; and have a positive impact on the Ontario economy. For more information please visit: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/localfood.htm.
Application intake for all eligible clients deadline: Dec. 31.
THE RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (RED) PROGRAM
The Rural Economic Development (RED) Program has up to $4.5 million funding per year for three years to help rural communities remove barriers to community development and promote economic growth to support sustainable rural economies and regions, while developing the capacity, tools and flexibility they need to become stronger, more prosperous communities. For more information please visit: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/red/.
– Application intake for all eligible clients: Deadline – Dec. 31
LOCAL FOOD PROVINCIAL DESIGNATION CONSULTATIONS
Local food is a dynamic and growing multi-billion-dollar industry. The Ontario government works closely with industry, agri-food organizations, municipalities and others to keep it strong. But we know that more can be done.
We’re asking stakeholders, agri-food associations, municipal leaders and others with an interest in local food from across Ontario to share their ideas about whether or not they think a provincial designation program should be developed for Ontario.
THE ONTARIO FORAGE CROP VARIETY PERFORMANCE BROCHURE
The 2014 Ontario Forage Crop Variety Performance Brochure is now available. Copies will be mailed directly to producers as inserts in the next dairy, beef and sheep magazines.
Individuals and agri-business can request hard copies from: David Morris, Secretary, Ontario Forage Crops Committee at: davidtmorris@rogers.com
The PDF version of the Brochure can also be viewed and downloaded online at www.GoForages.ca.
The Brochure is not available from Service Ontario.
ROCKWOOD FARMERS’ 20TH ANNUAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE OF LIGHTS – Dec. 12
This time of year Santa is said to be busy in his workshop making toys for good little girls and boys. But in Rockwood, Santa already has his toys made, and shopping done. His soybeans and corn are harvested, and now he’s trying to figure out just what he and Mrs. Claus should do to their combine for the “big” night.
Yes! This is a Farmer’s Santa. With his fall farm work under control, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will soon be decorating their combine with Christmas lights and other seasonal decorations to be ready for the Rockwood Farmers’ Santa Claus Parade of Lights.
The parade is always held on the second Thursday in December. The first year was very informal and spontaneous. A group of local farmers decided to dress up their farm equipment for the Christmas season and ride through the village streets as a holiday gesture of goodwill to their non-farming neighbours. The joy, excitement and appreciation shown during the parade and as the farmers’ met others during the year was enough to encourage a repeat performance. And so the tradition was born.
Each year’s parade has been more spectacular than the previous, with residents, merchants and visitors to the community enthusiastically responding all year long, as to what the parade meant to them, and to “please” do it again.
This year the parade will feature about 20 area farms joining in the spirit of the season. Over 200 farmers, their families, employees and friends will join in the fun, riding on the floats. Entry is by invitation only to ensure that the parade remains a success and that the goodwill gesture to the community continues.
If you come to the parade, you’ll see thousands of Christmas lights shining brightly, along with garlands, ribbons and bows, Christmas trees fully decorated, and all the things you’d expect to see in a Santa Claus Parade. But remember, this parade is different, as each float will be farm-oriented.
You’ll see the blending of old and current farming practices with the ‘parade floats’ being antique and modern tractors and equipment. It’s a parade for all ages, from babies to the most senior of seniors. So, if you want a special night with family and friends, that is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, be in Rockwood for this year’s Farmers’ Santa Claus Parade of Lights.
Don’t be late; the fun will begin at 7pm. Everyone from near and far is invited to come and catch the Christmas spirit.
