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 5pm.
For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website: www.ontario.ca/omafra.
REMINDER! PREMIER’S AWARD FOR AGRI-FOOD
INNOVATION EXCELLENCE
Applications are now being accepted for the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Jan. 18.
The Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation program has attracted more than 1,000 applications highlighting on-farm innovations since its inception in 2007. The Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program encourages the development of our rural communities, farms, agri-food processors and agri-food organizations by adding value to existing products, creating jobs and driving economic growth. The program recognizes up to 45 Regional Award recipients across the province who receive a plaque, wordmark and a gate sign, as well as $5,000; a Premier’s Award ($75,000); a Minister’s Award ($50,000); and, three Leaders in Innovation Awards ($25,000).
Who can apply? A farmer, primary producer, processor, or agri-food related organization – are all eligible for recognition under this initiative. Applicants must be in compliance with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal legislation that apply to the operation of the innovation.
Eligible innovations:
Examples include, but are not limited to:
• improved business practices;
• response to consumer demands (eg. new product development, value added, marketing, strategic alliances, local food);
• environmental stewardship;
• health and safety;
• energy and bio-economy;
• food safety and traceability; and
• education and marketing of the agriculture and food industry to society
Deadline for applications: This year’s applications must be received by 5pm on Friday, Jan. 18. Eligible applications will be reviewed by two independent panels comprised of a cross-section of Ontario’s agri-food industry. Additional information, guidelines and application forms are available on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website or by calling the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/premier_award/app_info.htm.
ON FARM FOOD SAFETY:
YOUR BUSINESS ADVANTAGE
Instructional Posters for On-Farm Food Safety
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ (OMAFRA) has developed a series of Good Agriculture Practices posters that are available free of charge to producers.
The posters are 8 ½ x 11” in size and available in English/Spanish or French/Spanish versions. They are rip and weather resistant making them durable enough to use in and around your farm.
The posters provide visual instructions for best practices on a variety of topics, including:
• Hand washing;
• Proper use of hand sanitizers;
• Food handling;
• Proper toilet use;
• Food storage and packaging ;
• Transportation; and
• Proper use of animal health products
Food safety practices contribute to competitive, productive and sustainable agri-food business. For more information and to see our posters, visit the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs website at www.ontario.ca/goodagpractices or call to order your posters, 1-877-424-1300.
FARM MANAGEMENT CANADA – EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR AGRICULTURAL STUDENTS
The Farm Management Canada (FMC) Excellence Award for agricultural students is a scholarship competition that is designed to help students develop their communication skills by having the opportunity to voice their opinion on a subject related to farm business management.
Submissions are collected from students across Canada and three winners are awarded a $1,000 cash prize to help further their education in agriculture.
The award is a great way of connecting with the next generation of farm managers while challenging them to reflect on the important issues facing the industry.
Students are asked to submit videos, responding to the following question:
Why is innovation an important aspect of a farm’s success? How can farm business management be innovative? Please provide examples.
Farm Management Canada must receive the completed online application form no later than Feb. 28, 2013. The names of the winners will be announced in March 2013. Visit: www.fmc-gac.com.
COMING EVENTS 2013
Jan. 3 and 4 – 20th Anniversary of the Southwest Agricultural Conference. Watch for event details at: http://www.southwestagconference.ca/.
Jan. 16 and 17 – Herd Management Conference presented by CanWest DHI; Jan. 16: Memorial Hall, Tavistock and Jan. 17: PMD Complex, Drayton. Check the www.canwestdhi.com.
Jan. 19 – Beef Symposium, in conjunction with the Farm$mart conference. Mark your calendar and watch for details at: http://www.uoguelph.ca/farmsmart/conference/program.html.
