Connects September 2016

CONNECTS September 2016

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Celebrate Ontario 2017 - Accepting Applications Now!

Ontario is encouraging festival and event organizers across the province to apply for Celebrate Ontario 2017 funding.

For 2017, organizers of existing large festivals and events may now apply for multi-year funding. Applicants are also encouraged to add enhancements that celebrate or commemorate Canada's or Ontario's 150th anniversary.

The deadline to apply for Celebrate Ontario 2017 is November 8, 2016 at 5:00 pm.

Economic Development

Downtown Revitalization: Community of Practice

2 min read

For the second year in a row, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has partnered with the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) to organize and deliver three Downtown Revitalization Community of Practice sessions.

These sessions are being hosted in communities that are at various stages in their downtown revitalization program. The sessions are designed to provide a balance of perspectives about the challenges and opportunities associated with launching a Downtown Revitalization initiative, developing strategies to respond to changing markets, and maintaining support over the longer term.

The Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation Annual Conference

2 min read

The Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF), annual conference will be held in Guelph, Ontario from October 12 - 15, 2016.

The CRRF was established in 1989 to contribute to the revitalization and sustainability of rural Canada through collaborative research for rural leaders in the community, private sector, and in all levels of government.

With the theme of Building Vibrant Rural Futures: Mobilizing Knowledge and Informing Policy, the conference is expected to attract a diverse speaker panel from North America and Europe.

Agricultural Business Management Award Accepting Nominations

3 min read

Farm Management Canada (FMC) seeks to honour individuals or groups who have made an extraordinary contribution to developing and promoting new and positive change in agricultural business management practices and expertise in Canada.

FMC will be accepting applications for this award until October 14th, 2016.

The Wilson Loree Award is awarded to individuals or groups that:

have demonstrated innovation in areas such as turning research into practical management tools, adapting best practices from other sectors to agriculture; and finding new ways to deliver training, information and resources to farm managers
have served as a role model and a mentor to colleagues, partners and clients, inspiring them to achieve their full potential
have demonstrated the abilities to network and develop partnerships to include others in furthering the shared goals and vision of the agriculture industry

Agriculture Development

Ontario Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program

7 min read

CleanFARMS is a not-for-profit industry stewardship organization committed to environmental responsibility through the proper management of agricultural waste. Their programs manage agricultural plastic and other inorganic waste from farms across Canada and have earned a reputation of excellence around the world.

Farmers are among the most environmentally conscious people. Their livelihood depends on the health of the land and the natural environment.

CleanFARMS offers programs to help farmers responsibly manage the waste products they generate on the farm.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training if free until April 30, 2017

2 min read

Ontario is helping corn and soybean farmers comply with recent rules protecting insect pollinators by continuing to provide mandatory training for free until April 30, 2017.

Farmers need the training if they wish to purchase and use neonicotinoid-treated corn and/or soybean seeds.

The half-day course is available in English or French, online or in class in towns across Ontario and at the University of Guelph's Ridgetown campus.

Growing Your Farm Profits Workshops

2 min read

Growing Your Farm Profits (GYFP) is the place to start improving your business and by combining self-assessment and action plan development with a range of cost-share funding through Growing Forward 2.

Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) offers a 2-day workshop, where an experienced Workshop Leader will help you review your farm management practices and prioritize your business goals.

The workshop is open to new and established producers. Farm families and management teams are encouraged to attend the workshop together.

Fall Fairs Leave Lasting Impacts

Barry Potter, Agriculture Development Advisor, OMAFRA

3 min read

It's the season of fall fairs. These annual events provide an opportunity for farmers to showcase their work, interact with the general public, and evaluate their produce and livestock against other farmers.

Fall fairs are a celebration of agriculture everywhere The local fall fair brings farmers and consumers together. A recent study indicated that three-quarters of fair attendees think that agricultural education is an important component of fair attendance. For many people, it is their once a year time to get up close and personal with a farm animal or product.

Working with Farmers to Create A Soil Strategy

2 min read

Ontario is working with farmers to create a soil strategy to grow and sustain its strong agricultural sector while protecting the environment and adapting to a changing climate.

A Soil Strategy Discussion Paper has been posted on Ontario's Environmental Registry. Two technical engagement sessions are planned for this fall, to engage some of the environmental and conservation organizations as well as groups from the agriculture and agri-food sector.

The final Provincial Soil Strategy is expected to be released in late 2017.

Resources

OMAFRA's Regional Advisors

Dateline: online calendar for events, workshops and conferences

OMAFRA Specialists on Twitter Lists

Field Crop Team and Livestock Specialists

Hort Crop Team

OMAFRA Website

OMAFRA Contact Centre 1-877-424-1300