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
WATER SOURCE AND FOOD SAFETY
– Wayne Du, On-Farm Food Safety Specialist,
OMAF and MRA
Water, an essential element for agri-food production, can also be a source of food contamination. Contaminated water can carry and transfer pathogens as well as chemical hazards to crops, livestock, poultry and foods. Here are some general tips to ensure water safety:
• Assess water sources for food safety risks.
• Test water through a credited laboratory at least once a year or as frequently as your food safety program requires to ensure that it meets the required quality standards.
• Treat water if it does not meet the required standards.
• Keep all records for water test results and treatment methods.
Food safety is everyone’s responsibility. To attend one of our free online workshops on water quality and other important food safety topics, visit us at: www.ontario.ca/foodsafety or call: 1-877-424-1300. Food safety practices keep agri-food businesses competitive, productive and sustainable.
THE RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Rural Economic Development (RED) Program has up to $4.5 million funding per year to help rural communities strengthen 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. This will be accomplished through achievement of the RED Program strategic outcomes:
• Rural communities and regions have enhanced capacity to succeed
• Rural communities are healthy and vibrant
• Regions are economically competitive.
The RED Program has two project streams:
1. Planning Stream: Rural, regional and community projects that help rural communities and regions build a foundation for economic growth and investment.
2. Implementation Stream: Strengthening rural and regional economic competitiveness to support the implementation of projects that have been identified through some form of evidence-based planning processes and to contribute to economic competitiveness.
For further information and a copy of the guidebook and applications, go to: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/red/.
ONTARIO’S NEW YOUTH EMPLOYMENT FUND
Young people can now apply to Ontario’s new Youth Employment Fund to find jobs and gain valuable work experience. Businesses and eligible youth aged 15 to 29 can apply to the fund by making an appointment with a local Employment Ontario service provider. The fund helps employers offer four to six-month job and training placements for young people looking for employment. Ontario is providing up to $7,800 to cover a range of supports and services for each eligible young worker under the fund. That includes up to $6,800 to help cover wage and training costs, and up to $1,000 to help young workers pay for job-related costs like tools and transportation to work. Learn more at: http://bit.ly/176t5Rc.
EMPOWERING EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG LEADERS TO SUCCEED
Studio Y is Ontario’s innovation and leadership academy for young people made possible through a $10 million, five-year investment by the Government of Ontario. Each year, up to 25 young leaders and innovators, aged 18 to 29, from across Ontario will be invited to MaRS Discovery District, Canada’s largest innovation hub, to participate in an eight-month full-time fellowship focused on personal mastery, 21st century skills development, project-based real world experience and systems change leadership. To learn more about the Studio Y fellowship please visit: studioy.marsdd.com.
ELECTRONIC BULLETINS AND NewsLETTERS
Ag Business Update
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/News/index.html
Virtual Beef
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/beef/News.html
Pork News and Views Newsletter
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/swine/News.html
CropPest Ontario
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/field/News/News_croppest.html
CEPTOR – Animal Health News
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/ceptor/News.html
COMING EVENTS:
Nov. 22 – Growing Forward 2 Food Safety Workshop for Processors: Preventative Maintenance and Calibration, Pest Control and Environment in London – 9am to 4pm. Call 1-877-424-1300 to register to attend in person or online.
Nov. 27 – Growing Forward 2 Food Safety Workshop for Producers: Pre-Harvest and Post Harvest – 12:30pm to 1:30pm. Call 1-877-424-1300 to register online.
