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.
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 Jan. 18, 2013.
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 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, word mark 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 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 Jan. 18, 2013. 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. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/premier_award/app_info.htm.
POST-HARVEST CASH ADVANCES AVAILABLE
To assist producers in the timely marketing of their products, applications for the 2012 Advance Payments Program (APP) for Stored Crops in Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia are now available for download on Agricultural Credit Corporation’s (ACC) website.
Under the program, growers storing crops anytime after harvest are able to access up to $400,000 in operating capital, with the first $100,000 available interest-free and the remaining $300,000 available at bank prime lending rate.
“This program can assist producers by allowing them to take the time to strategically market their products,” said Jaye Atkins, CEO of ACC.
The 2012 program for storable crops has seen many changes over the past several months. In June, ACC received approval to administer financing for three biomass crops in both Ontario and Nova Scotia and are looking to expand this program across Canada.
ACC was also successful moving the eligibility date for harvested wheat forward from Oct. 1 to July 1 to better coincide with harvest timelines allowing access to funds when needed most. Applications for the 2012 storage program are available to the public on the ACC website, to recurring clients through registered online access, or can be requested over the phone via our customer service centre at 1-888-278-8807.
Application packages will also be mailed upon request. For those already enrolled in the 2012 APP crop input program through ACC, a separate application is available through your online user account or by contacting ACC directly.
COMING EVENTS:
Dec. 4 – Wellington Federation of Agriculture, monthly board meeting, at OMAFRA boardroom, Elora at 7:30pm. For information, contact Lisa Hern at 519-848-3774 or email: jplh@golden.net.
Dec. 4 to 5 – Ontario Agri Business Association Annual Meeting and Convention, Toronto. Mark your calendar and check for details at: http://www.oaba.on.ca/.
Dec. 5 – Building the Foundation: Dairy and Veal Healthy Calf Conference, Stratford Rotary Complex. Check the website for more information: http://calfcare.ca.
Dec. 5 – National Farmers Union Waterloo-Wellington Local, monthly board meeting at 7:15pm at Husky Farm Equipment, Alma (meet first Wednesday each month).
Dec. 11 – OMAFRA’s “Good Agriculture Practices” Webinar Series: Manure, Compost and Compost Teas, 12.
Identify what is required to create or maintain a good growing base for your agri-needs.
This workshop will outline good agricultural practices when using manure and compost teas, demonstrating proper implementation for better soil, growing for tomorrow.
Webinar details/registration online at: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/foodsafety/producers/webinars.htm.
