Supporting Agricultural Growth in North Durham | | |
The North Durham Enabling Agriculture-Related and On-Farm Diversified Uses project has reached a key milestone that could open new doors for your on-farm or agriculture-related business. Councils in the Townships of Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge have endorsed the study’s recommendations to update land use policies for agriculture-related and on-farm diversified uses. Examples include but are not limited to:
Agriculture-related uses:
- Farmers’ market primarily selling locally owned products
- Cidery using local apples
- Farm equipment repair shop
On-farm diversified uses:
- Agri-tourism use such as a corn maze or seasonal event
- Home occupation such as a bookkeeper or hairdresser
- Café or food store
The recommendations provide clearer and more consistent land use permissions and associated criteria for starting or expanding agriculture-related and on-farm diversified businesses, a streamlined application process and greater flexibility to innovate and diversify operations, all while maintaining farmland protections.
Each Township is moving forward with implementing these changes through updates to their Official Plans and Zoning By-laws and Site Plan Control By-laws. Scugog will hold a Public Open House September 15 and plans to complete the process by early 2026. Brock also has a timeline for early 2026, with Uxbridge following at a later date.
| | Greenbelt Rural Housing Report | | |
A new report from the Greenbelt Foundation explores how rural housing challenges are affecting Ontario’s agricultural sector and why it matters for food security, economic growth, and farmland protection.
Agriculture contributes nearly $50 billion to the provincial economy and supports 10 per cent of Ontario jobs. Yet many farmers and farm workers struggle to find housing close to where they work, especially in rural Greenbelt communities.
The report explores innovative housing solutions for farm families, on-farm workers, and agri-business employees and features case studies that include Durham Region. Planning policy recommendations also ensure non-farm residential housing does not infringe on or constrain agricultural production and goods movement.
| | Elevating Durham’s Agri-Food Sector with Gather at the Farm | | |
Durham Region’s Gather at the Farm campaign returns this fall to help promote all the farm fun our region has to offer—including pumpkin fields, apple picking, corn mazes and more.
For growers, vendors or agri-tourism operators, the campaign is a way to connect with consumers looking for fresh, local products and farm experiences. Gather at the Farm runs from September to October.
| | Durham’s Craft Cider Makers Lead the Way | | Smarter Decisions Start with Smarter Tools | | |
Shape the future of food and farming with the Seeding Digital Skills program. Designed for the agriculture and food/beverage processing sectors, you’ll get access to cutting-edge digital twin training.
A digital twin is a real-time 3D virtual mirror of your farm or processing facility, letting you test, tweak, and optimize before making costly decisions. Whether you’re a livestock farmer, greenhouse operator, craft brewer, or food processor, this training gives your team the skills to innovate, reduce waste, and stay competitive in an evolving market.
This 12-week, self-paced training program comes from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and industry partners. Space is limited.
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Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative
There is still time to submit an application to the Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative. With up to $4 million in funding available, the initiative helps primary producers and processors in Ontario's agri-food sector tackle local labour challenges by supporting innovative strategies for attracting, recruiting and retaining workers.
Approved projects can receive up to 50 per cent of eligible costs covered, with a maximum of $40,000 for individual businesses and $100,000 for industry collaborations. The deadline to apply is September 2 or when available funding is fully committed.
Find out if your agri-business qualifies.
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Grains Innovation Fund
Grain Farmers of Ontario is looking for market-ready projects that use Ontario grains in new or value-added ways—whether that’s in food, feed, sustainable packaging, biofuels, or beyond.
If you are innovating with Ontario barley, corn, oats, soybeans, or wheat, apply now for the 2026 Grains Innovation Fund.
Companies can receive up to $75,000 of reimbursement-based funding for eligible projects.
To qualify, projects must:
- Use at least 40 metric tonnes of Ontario grains annually.
- Support new market creation, innovation, or increased grain value.
- Deliver direct benefits to Ontario grain farmers.
The deadline to apply is October 31.
Get more information and application details.
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Rural Ontario Development Program
Applications are being accepted for the business development stream of the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program.
The ROD Program provides cost-sharing funding to support activities that create strong rural businesses in Ontario by funding projects that:
- Address barriers to economic development.
- Build capacity to attract, retain and expand businesses.
- Better position rural businesses to attract or retain investment.
- Support jobs being attracted and retained in rural businesses.
Businesses can get up to 35 per cent of eligible costs, to a maximum of $10,000 in funding. Applications for this intake of the ROD Program must be submitted by September 24.
Learn if your business qualifies and how to apply.
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Nominations Open: Excellence in Agriculture Awards
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Whether you’re part of the industry or know someone making a difference, this is your chance to celebrate Ontario’s agri-food champions. Nominations are now open for the Ontario government’s 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards.
These awards honour the farmers, food processors, businesses and industry organizations that are driving excellence, sustainability and long-term competitiveness in Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food industry.
With 12 categories—from Youth and Women’s Excellence to Urban Agriculture and Farm Family Excellence—there’s a place to recognize every kind of contribution. Nominations are being accepted until September 2.
| | Durham Farm Connections: Celebrate Agriculture | | |
Mark your calendars for October 23 for Durham Farm Connection’s Celebrate Agriculture Gala at the Royal Ashburn Golf Club in Whitby.
The annual event is a celebration of the region’s agricultural excellence and offers connection, celebration, and recognition. Enjoy an evening of local food and beverages, entertainment, silent and live auctions and the Celebrate Agriculture awards. Early Bird tickets are available until October 1 for $90.
Know an individual, group, or organization making a meaningful impact in agriculture in Durham Region? Get ready to nominate them—the official nomination form will be available shortly. Stay tuned and help celebrate their contributions.
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