Food and Farming across the Golden Horseshoe
A recent issue of Better Farming magazine has a great story on Durham Region's Bragg Farms, which they've allowed us to share on our blog. The article highlights how Brittany Bragg helped to grow and rebrand the Bowmanville farm business during the pandemic, including adding new tourism opportunities.

“Visitors began to respond to our authenticity and see that we cared about their experiences and relationship with food," Brittany shares in the article. "Educating yourself and the consumer with reliable trusted sources is how we bridge the gap between the fields and the grocery store shelves.” Read more in the link below.
Bill 23

The passing of the omnibus Bill 23 this fall has brought significant change to planning in Ontario.

While the details are not yet clear and the “consultation” period for parts of the Bill are still ongoing, significant anxiety exists in both urban and rural municipalities for the impact of proposed development on agricultural lands.

Albert Witteveen, Chair of the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance, responded to the government in November with this letter.

We will watch the implementation going forward and continue to offer advice to the province regarding the preservation of our precious agricultural lands in the Golden Horseshoe.
Ontario Unveils Plan to Strengthen Food Supply Chain
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has released a Grow Ontario Strategy, designed to increase production of food grown and consumed in the province.

The strategy outlines the province’s plan to strengthen the agri-food sector, ensure an efficient, reliable, and responsive food supply and address ongoing vulnerabilities through new innovations.


As part of the Strategy, OMAFRA has launched the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund, which includes the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) administering a $9.8 million Supply Chain Stability and Adaptability Program. This program's application intake is now open. 

The program consists of two streams: the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream and the Agri-Food Supply Chain Infrastructure Investment Stream.

Eligible applicants include:
  • Ontario Agri-Food Organizations (for the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream only); and,
  • Ontario Agri-Food Businesses, including Farms and Food Processing Businesses

Application deadlines:
  • Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream, Thursday, January 26, 2023
  • Agri-Food Supply Chain Infrastructure Investment Stream, Thursday February 9, 2023
Food, Beverage & Ag Trends for 2023
The 2023 Nourish Trend Report is now available to download.

Localized production, ag innovation, food automation, eco-conscious agriculture, and the role of food as a sleep aid are some of this year’s noted trends.

"Whether your business operates in foodservice, production, retail, or elsewhere in the food & beverage ecosystem, this is an indispensable guide to vital trends that will transform our entire sector, not only in 2023 but for years to come," Nourish Marketing explains.
Online Learning for the Local Food & Farm Sector
The Fair Finance Fund's online learning series for local or farm entrepreneurs—Purpose & Profit—is coming back in January 2023.

This year, the series will focus on climate resilience and how you can incorporate innovative and sustainable practices into your business to drive profits.
Are you seeking a deeper understanding of growing food in cities?
Registration is currently open for courses in Toronto Metropolitan University's Urban Agriculture Certificate Program (e.g. Practicing Urban Agriculture).

If you have a particular interest in urban food systems and food security, the Chang School is also offering a course in Urban Food Security in Winter 2023.

For more information on how to register for the certificate programs and their courses, contact Academic Coordinator Reg Noble at [email protected]. The Winter 2023 session starts January 16, 2023.
Guelph Organic Conference
Registration is now open for the 2023 Guelph Organic Conference.

Virtual workshops will be offered the week of January 23-27, 2023. Over the weekend, the in person Friday night organic dinner will return, as well as the in-person workshops and Trade Show on January 28-29 at the University of Guelph.

Register before January 9th to get the Early Bird discount. Learn more here.
Some more food news to chew on...








Happy Holidays to all!
Wishing you a joyful season of good food and good company.
See you in 2023.

Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance