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
NEW FUND TO HELP INNOVATIVE COMPANIES GROW
Ontario Government Fostering More Financing Opportunities to Support Innovation, Grow Economy and Create Jobs
The Ontario government is moving forward with its plan to create a new venture capital fund that will help innovative startups and other emerging companies get the financing they need to build competitive businesses and create tomorrow’s jobs.
The Ontario government will contribute up to $50 million to the new fund, as committed in the Speech from the Throne. In time, Ontario’s new venture capital fund could reach $300 million with the participation of private investors. The fund is part of the government’s plan to foster the right climate to attract investment, support innovation, create jobs and grow Ontario’s economy.
The new fund would build on the province’s successful Ontario Venture Capital Fund, which invests in Ontario-focused funds that support growing companies. This fund was created in 2008 and has leveraged $750 million in private capital.
Ontario is working with the federal government and institutional and corporate investors to move this new fund forward.
QUICK FACTS
• The Ontario Venture Capital Fund is a $205 million fund, of which $90 million was committed by Ontario and $115 million from investors.
• The new fund would be managed by a private sector fund manager selected through a competitive procurement process.
LEARN MORE
• See what else Ontario is doing to support entrepreneurship and innovation.
IT’S COLT’S-FOOT TIME AGAIN!
by John C. Benham, Weed Inspector
Now that the snow is gone – beware those bright yellow flowers are appearing now! Many times they are confused with dandelions. Remember the dandelion has a smooth flower stem and the Colt’s-Foot flower stem has scales. Very few leaves will be present at flowering time. Make note of the location so it can be destroyed later in the season. Do whatever is necessary to eliminate the flower heads before they set seed.
I am told each flower head will contain about 3,500 seeds similar in structure to a dandelion. They are distributed far and wide by the wind. If the seed lands on bare soil it will establish itself and become extremely competitive smothering out all competing crops with its dense canopy of leaves. Its underground creeping root system rapidly expands the patch.
I have seen Colt’s-Foot leaves up to 14” across appear in late June to early July that are very effective in smothering all the neighbouring plants. Glyphosate is most effective in controlling this noxious weed when applied in late July and August when the plant is storing root reserves for next year. Check the patch later since often there will be leaves under the canopy that do not receive the spray. After, when all the living plants are destroyed, recheck the spot since it is an inviting spot for new seedlings. It will likely require several years to eliminate an established patch.
Keep in mind that Colt’s-foot is a noxious weed under the Weed Act and must be destroyed. Be sure to meet the requirements of the Cosmetic Pesticide Act. I can assure you that if you choose to ignore this plant, it will never diminish or leave on its own accord. Check out those early yellow flowers and take appropriate action! If you have questions, call John at 519-846-3394.
ONTARIO INDEPENDENT MEAT PROCESSORS (OIMP) FOOD HANDLER TRAINING WORKSHOP
Whether you are a worker or supervisor in a food processing establishment, everyone plays an important role in food safety.
This food handling workshop spans one and a half days for workers and two days for supervisors. The fee includes slides, a workbook, examination and lunch. This program meets the training requirements within Ontario Meat Regulation 31/05 and is also accredited with Toronto Public Health as meeting the requirements in City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing.
When: April 23 – 24; Where: Mississauga.
For more information and to register, visit the OIMP website: www.oimp.ca.
COMING EVENTS
Apr. 24 Grower Pesticide Safety Course, Elora, 8:45am and Separate Exam: 3pm. To register, phone: Ontario Pesticide Education Program: 1-800-652-8573.
Apr. 25 Webinar – Board Governance: Best Practices in the Real World of Non-Profit Boards, 1-2pm. The speaker is David Hartley. This is one of the webinar workshops that are being hosted by the Rural Ontario Institute. For information and to register, email: 2013webinars@gmail.com or visit: http://www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/leadership/webinars.aspx.
Apr. 26 Permit to Take Water Workshop at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs Office, Simcoe: 9-12pm. George Shearer, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association is offering a permit to take water workshop for all farmers; Cost $20.
May 7 Wellington Federation of Agriculture, monthly board meeting at OMAFRA Elora at 7:30pm. For information, contact Lisa Hern at 519-848-3774 or email: jplh@golden.net.
