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 and MRA website: www.ontario.ca/omafra.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2013 ONTARIO HEALTHY COMMUNITIES COALITION SYMPOSIUM OMAFRA Connects – August, 2013
Rural economic development is the overall theme and supporting local agricultural products and services is one of the major themes of the 2013 Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition Symposium. Several program sessions will focus on strategies for supporting and increasing the economic viability of local food enterprises and the consumption of local food and food products by community members. Keynote speaker Dr. Wayne Caldwell, Director of the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph, will speak on the economic value of investing in local initiatives and strategies for increasing the sustainability and quality of life of rural communities.
“Rural Communities…the Root to Health” will be held in Minden on Oct. 3 and 4.
For further information and to register, visit: http://bit.ly/1509UHV.
2013 FALL WELLINGTON RURAL ROMP – SATURDAY, SEPT. 28, 11am – 4pm
The Wellington Rural Romp is your chance to get up close to your food. Experience a day in the countryside, meet local farmers, eat, learn about food and experience agriculture’s bounty. At each location, you will find farmers and business owners who are passionate about bringing real taste and local food to you.
Romp Locations: Drumlin Farm, Elora Farmers’ Market, Erin Valley Elk, Fraberts Fresh Foods, Harmony Meadows Alpaca, Heritage Hollow, Magda Farm and Trout Lily Greenhouses, Smoyd Potato Farm, Strom’s Farm, Thatcher Farms and the Farmer’s Wife Bakery, Top Market Meats, Leslie Zinger, White Rock Ostrich Farm, Whole Circle Farm.
Get your Wellies ready! Enjoy a fun-filled day out in the countryside, visiting farms, markets and local food shops. Learn about how your food is grown, visit with farm animals and shop for local food and fall decorations along the way. For more information please contact Christina Mann at 226-971-0264 or email tastereal@gmail.com or the website: www.tastereal.ca.
SUPPORTING PROVINCIAL AND MULTI-SPORT ORGANIZATIONS – OMAFRA Connects – August, 2013
Ontario is helping people across the province to get healthy, physically active and involved in competitive Sports.
This year, 19 provincial sport and multi-sport organizations will receive support through Ontario’s Sport Priority Funding program. The program will help the organizations coordinate athlete and leadership development sessions, certify coaches, officials and volunteers, host athlete training camps and stage competitions.
For more information on the Sport Priority Funding program, visit: http://bit.ly/158Wuqe.
PROVINCE HELPING ONTARIO CRAFT BREWERS CREATE JOBS – OMAFRA Connects – August, 2013
Ontario is providing small craft brewers with renewed support by extending the Ontario Microbrewery Strategy for two more years to help create jobs and expand the industry.
Through the Ontario Microbrewery Strategy, the province is helping small brewers explore new marketing, training and tourism development opportunities.
The strategy will provide $1.2 million in annual funding from 2014 to 2016.
Ontario craft brewers produce over 140 international beer styles and have won hundreds of medals in major national and international competitions. In 2012, Ontario’s craft beers led LCBO sales in all categories, including wine and spirits, with nearly 45 per cent sales growth.
For more information on resources to support business, visit the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment website at: http://bit.ly/173Lwmx.
COMING EVENTS
Sept. 17 – 21 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, Perth County; website: http://www.ipm2013.org/.
Sept. 25 Shakespeare Swine Seminar, Shakespeare Community Centre, 9:30am to 3:30pm. To register please call 1-877-424-1300.
Sept. 25 Forestry Twilight Tour – “Planning For Trees on the Farm” – 7 to 9pm at R&R Poultry, 7649 Sideroad 6 East, Kenilworth. Please RSVP to: Mark Funk at the GRCA: 1-866-900-4722 Extension 2259 or e-mail mfunk@grandriver.ca.
Sept. 28 Colwyn Championship Showcase – 9am – 3 pm – A Fancy Rare Breed Poultry Show will be held at Colwyn Stables on 6104 Wellington County Road #29 (just south-east of Fergus). For more information please call: 519-843-3459 or check the website at: www.colwynshowcase.com.
Oct. 11 – 14 Erin Fall Fair. For more information, please call 519-833-2808.
