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.
PREMIER’S AWARD FOR AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION EXCELLENCE
Have you developed and implemented a unique product or process that helps foster innovation in Ontario’s agriculture and food sector? If so, you could be eligible to receive one of the following awards from the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence Program:
– Premier’s Award (one award valued at $75,000);
– Minister’s Award (one award valued at $50,000);
– Leaders in Innovation Awards (three awards valued at $25,000 each); and
– Provincial Awards (45 awards valued at $5,000 each).
Primary producers/farmers, processors and agri-food organizations are invited to apply.
A copy of the Program Guidebook and application form, as well as information on previous award recipients is available online at www.ontario.ca/agrifoodinnovation or by phone at 1-877-424-1300.
Applications will be accepted until 5pm on April 15.
SELLING FOOD TO ONTARIO WORKSHOP
Create new opportunities for your farm or food processing business by learning how to expand into new markets such as grocery stores, restaurants, food hubs, schools, universities and other public institutions.
Learn how you as a farmer or small processor can access new market channels. Topics include:
-market channel opportunities (who’s buying, how and customer expectations) ;
– basics of food regulations;
– pricing for profit;
– getting your product in a retail store and keeping it there; and
– food packaging and labelling.
The workshop will take place on March 9 from 9am to 3:30pm at the OMAFRA Vineland Resource Centre, 4890 Victoria Avenue North, Vineland Station, Ontario.
Please visit website for more information www.ontario.ca/chbi.
There’s no cost to participate but space is limited. For more information or to register, contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre by phone 1-877-424-1300, tty 1-855-696-2811 or email ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
COMING EVENTS
Feb. 20 – Transition Smart – Farmers to Processors Workshop, Georgian College Barrie Campus, Barrie.
For more information call 705-728-1968 ext. 1605 or visit website www.georgiancollege.ca/community-alumni/entrepreneurship-centre/food-entrepreneurship/events-tab.
Feb. 29 – Restaurants Canada Show Enercare Centre, Toronto.
For more information, phone 1-800-387-5649 or email lgurunluoglu@restaurantscanada.org.
Mar. 3 to 4 – Food Entrepreneurs Conference at Georgian College in Barrie. For registration or more information please visit website www.centralontarioagconference.ca/ or phone Connie Brown at 705-726-9300 x 1224 or email connie@simcoecountyfa.org.
