December 2025

 Celebrate Agriculture Award Winners

Durham Region’s agriculture community came together in October for the annual Celebrate Agriculture Gala, hosted by Durham Farm Connections at the Royal Ashburn Golf Club. The evening paid tribute to the commitment and hard work of the region’s farming community, with special recognition given with the Celebrate Agriculture Awards.

This year’s winners are: 

Family Farm Award: The Bibb Family. Over the past 50 years, operations at the Bibb family’s Hy-Hope Farms has grown from a roadside stand into a year-round market. They are recognized for innovation and leadership that extends beyond agriculture into the wider community. 

Spirit of Agriculture Award: Robert Larmer. Robert embodies the spirit of agriculture through his leadership in dairy organizations, volunteer work, and community service. A passionate dairy farmer and industry ambassador, he inspires others with his commitment and love for farming. 

Leadership Award: Joel Schillings. As a third‑generation farmer at White Feather Farms, Joel helps lead the family’s chicken operation and on-farm store. His passion and dedication to agricultural education make him a strong voice for the next generation of farm leaders. 

Congratulations to all the winners!

Scugog Council discussed the final recommendation report regarding proposed amendments to support on-farm diversification at its meeting on December 8 with plans to endorse the updates at its meeting on December 15. The council sessions and the report can be viewed online at the Agendas and Minutes page for the Township of Scugog.

In 2024, the Region of Durham, in partnership with the Townships of Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge, launched the North Durham Enabling Agriculture-Related and On-Farm

Diversified Uses study. The goal was to recommend policies that make it easier for farmers to grow their businesses or introduce new activities on their farms while protecting farmland for future generations. 

Once updates to Official Plans and Zoning By-laws and Site Plan Control By-laws are implemented, the Region of Durham, together with the townships, will roll out an education and awareness program, to inform the public about the changes.

On November 28, farmers and agriculture businesses from across Clarington gathered at the Solina Community Hall in Hampton for the Agriculture Round Table. Hosted by the Clarington Board of Trade, the morning was a chance to talk about challenges, opportunities and ideas that matter to local farming.

The group discussed ways to make rules and processes easier to understand, improve access to agricultural labour, and find ways to share the real story of modern farming with the community. Participants also spoke about the importance of consistent communication, supportive policies, and ongoing teamwork between farmers, businesses, and all levels of government. 

The Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC) works hard to support Durham Region’s agricultural community. The volunteer committee meets regularly throughout the year and advises the Region on agricultural and rural-related matters. 

DAAC also supports community outreach and agricultural education by helping residents, businesses, and policymakers better understand the vital role farming plays in Durham’s economy and culture. One of its key events is the annual farm tour which has been running for over two decades. Past tours have showcased over 40 farms and facilities, while also featuring industry leaders like this year’s tour of Kubota Canada. 

Upcoming Events

The Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC) is hosting a free mental health training workshop on February 25, 2026. 

Presented by Agricultural Wellness Ontario, ‘In the Know’ is a mental health literacy program designed specifically for farmers, their families and those who are involved in or support the agriculture sector.

This free workshop will look at stress, depression, anxiety, substance use, and how to start a conversation around mental health well-being. The workshops are facilitated by the Canadian Mental Health Association using ‘real-life’ examples from agriculture. 

Date: February 25, 2026 

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Where: Scugog Recreation Centre, Meeting Rooms 2 and 3 

Spots are limited. Register before they’re gone. 

News and Headlines

Vertical farming may make it possible for Canada to grow more of its own food. Find out how in this CBC article.

Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario is merging with the Ontario Soil Network. Find out why they are joining. 

A national survey suggests many in Canada’s agriculture sector are optimistic about the long-term future of the industry. Read the survey to find out more. 

Succession planning is one of the more pressing issues in agriculture. Read more about the challenges facing the next generation of family farms.

Contact Us

Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857

InvestDurham.ca 



As a contact of the Region of Durham's Planning and Economic Development Department, you have been added to our mailing list. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please use the unsubscribe link located at the bottom of this e-newsletter.

If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Invest Durham.

If there are problems with how this message is displayed, click here to view it in a web browser.