A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website: www.ontario.ca/omafra
ONTARIO EXPANDING ELIGIBILITY FOR AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE PROGRAM
New legislation passes to help protect the agri-food industry.
On May 27, Ontario passed the Agriculture Insurance Act, 2015 which will allow more types of agricultural products to be covered by the province’s production insurance program.
Production insurance is part of a suite of business risk management programs designed to help farmers manage losses due to events beyond their control, such as weather, pests and disease. While production insurance is currently available for almost 90 commercially grown crops in Ontario, including grains, oilseeds and certain fruits and vegetables, the new legislation will expand eligibility for the production insurance program for more agricultural products. The new legislation will help agri-food producers better manage risk, as well as encourage greater innovation, profitability and job creation in the agri-food sector. It will also help agri-food producers achieve the financial security they need to support business expansion and meet the Premier’s challenge to the sector to double its growth rate and create 120,000 jobs by 2020.
Expanding the types of products eligible for production insurance and strengthening the agri-food industry is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up.
For more information on Ontario production insurance go to: http://bit.ly/1Ds6bhX
5TH ANNUAL EASTERN ONTARIO LOCAL FOOD CONFERENCE
In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Rural Affairs, the Cities of Quinte West and Belleville will host the fifth annual Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference. This year’s theme is “Creativity +Collaboration=Action” and will be held at the Travelodge in Belleville on November 4 and 5. With the popularity of eating, shopping locally, and culinary tourism growing, there are more and more organizations and businesses recognizing the power of local food in their communities. This year’s theme celebrates the creativity of local food businesses, organizations, and other supporters of the local food economy all using creative methods to work together to build a thriving sustainable local food system in Eastern Ontario.
The conference program begins with a Local Food Tour on Nov. 4. There will be various stops in the area to illustrate and celebrate the success of the agriculture and culinary sectors. Diana McPherson of Grills Orchard will be participating this year by hosting the group at one of the stops on the tour.
Keep watching for details at eastontlocalfood.ca, follow us on twitter @eolocalfood or join us on Facebook at facebook.com/eastontlocalfood to keep up to date on initiatives leading up to the conference.
COMING EVENTS
Aug. 7 to 9 – Drayton Fair. For more information, please contact: 519-638-5093 or website at: www.draytonfair.com
Aug. 22 – Grand River Fair and Exhibition (Dairy Show and Tractor Pull) – For more information, please contact: 519-846-8879 or website: info@grandriveragsociety.com
Aug. 21 to 23 – Palmerston Fair. For more information, please check the website: www.palmerstonfair.com
