Northern Ontario Agri-Food Strategy Announced
Ontario is helping to diversify and strengthen the northern economy by growing the agriculture, aquaculture and food processing sector in the region. Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, on behalf of Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, made the announcement at the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance Research Symposium in Thunder Bay. The Northern Ontario Agri-Food Strategy encourages businesses and communities to work together with the province to drive the growth and development of its Agri-food sector and help increase local food consumption in Northern Ontario. Developed with the input of Agri-food businesses and organizations, as well as local and Indigenous communities, the strategy identifies government commitments to help grow the sector. These commitments support: research and growth of the food, beverage and aquaculture industries; expanding livestock farming; and soil mapping in the region.
Starting a Farm in Northern Ontario Course
Starting a Farm in Northern Ontario is a new free online course for those interested in starting their own farm in the north. The course has eight modules and is intended to take the user through the steps that require consideration prior to starting a farm. The course was developed by the collaborative partnership of Beef Farmers of Ontario, College Boreal and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. A supporting information bundle has been developed as an extra resource to help the user do more reading on a topic of interest. Also available is Starting a Farm in Ontario, a concise guide to help you make a decision on whether or not to start a farm and take the first steps. It provides insight on things to consider before investing in a property. It also contains an overview of common farm practices and useful information and resources to help with your farm business.
