Local Food Fund
Following a successful launch and high interest in the Local Food Fund, the program was temporarily paused on July 1, 2014, while the ministry undertook a review of the fund’s design. The review provided an opportunity to look at ways to improve the fund’s objectives and make any necessary adjustments needed to best target and support Ontario’s local food initiatives. The program review is now complete and the ministry will begin accepting new applications on November 24, 2014. To be considered eligible, an application must be submitted between 9 am on November 24, 2014 and 11:59 pm on January 16, 2015. For more information call 1-877-424-1300 or email localfoodfund@ontario.ca.
Proposed Agriculture Insurance Act to Help Grow Agri-Food Industry
Ontario is proposing amendments to the Crop Insurance Act, 1996, that would, if passed, allow more types of agricultural products to be covered by production insurance. Production insurance is part of a suite of business risk management programs designed to help farmers manage losses due to events like weather, pests and disease. The costs of these programs are predictable, stable and shared by producers and the provincial and federal governments.
Currently, production insurance is available for almost 90 commercially grown crops, including grains, oilseeds and certain fruits and vegetables. However, Ontario is the only province in Canada without the authority to expand production insurance beyond crops to the broader agricultural sector. If passed, the proposed Agriculture Insurance Act would give Ontario the authority to expand insurance to support the agri-food industry in the event of unexpected loss of production for agriculture products.
Manitoulin Cattlemen/Soil and Crop AGM and Information Day
The Manitoulin Cattlemen/Soil and Crop AGM and Information Day will be held at the Spring Bay Hall at 11 am, January 14 and February 25, 2015, respectively, stay tuned for agenda details!
