February 2025

Lead Your Farm Business into the Future

Sign up now for the Durham Agriculture Leadership Program and learn how to grow your leadership, business and interpersonal skills. The next afternoon session takes place February 25 at the Nestleton Community Centre, near Port Perry. 

Tailored to those with agricultural experience, this month’s module will look at effective communication in business and beyond. Led by Elaine Froese, a Farm Communications and Transition Expert, you’ll learn how to work with different personalities and how to improve conflict dynamics.   

Two more sessions are planned for March and April. On March 25, participants will learn how to lead a resilient agri-business, while the session on April 8 will focus on how to be a voice for agriculture.  

Lunch is provided and registration is required. 

Is your farm transition-ready? It’s not just about handing over the keys. Planning for a farm transition is about making sure everything is set up for a smooth changeover and future success.

Explore farm transition options that work for you in our Finding Fairness in Farm Transition workshop on February 25 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Elaine Froese, a Farm Communications and Transition Expert will help you tackle the challenges most families face and provide strategies to ensure fairness and harmony during the process. 

Thank you to agriculture businesses and community members who provided feedback on Durham Region’s study to update policies for agriculture-related and on-farm diversified uses in the townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge.

The agriculture sector is an important component of the local economy—providing food, products, a livelihood and jobs for farmers and their employees. It also helps to support rural businesses that provide products and services, contributing to the agricultural system. 

The study's overall objective is to support a thriving agricultural system and rural economic opportunity, while balancing farmland protection. Your feedback has been valuable in determining the policies and application processes for these uses and activities.  

Draft recommendations and an application toolkit will be shared for community feedback between February and March. Here’s how you can provide your feedback: 

• Review the draft documents and respond to an online survey that will be launched on the project webpage during the week of February 17. 

• Attend the public open house on March 3 at 7 p.m., either in person at the Scugog Recreation Centre in Meeting Rooms 2 and 3, or virtually by registering via Zoom.   

The annual report for the Growing Agri-Food Durham Plan is now available. The report provides updates and achievements of the past year in key areas including economic opportunities, industry competitiveness and community engagement.

The Growing Agri-Food Durham Plan is a five-year strategy (2023 to 2027) aimed at enhancing the agri-food industry in Durham Region.

Sign up by February 28 to be a part of Durham Farm Fresh. Join the growing list of farmers, food producers, retailers and restaurant owners who are a part of this not-for-profit marketing association.

The benefits of membership include local food marketing initiatives, networking and opportunities to take part in industry workshops. Email Erica Orleni at coordinator@DurhamFarmFresh.ca to find out more. 

Agriculture businesses in Durham Region have a valuable resource to help address workforce needs via Durham College Community Employment Services.  

Durham College Community Employment Services offers a variety of benefits, including assistance with recruiting, job placement potential, access to candidates and providing hiring support when it’s needed most.  

In addition, the program can provide resources to help improve workforce retention, including training and skill-building opportunities for both new hires and existing employees.

For more information contact Danielle Donnelly, Job Developer for North Durham by phone at 289-685-0460 or by email at Danielle.Donnelly@durhamcollege.ca. 

Funding Opportunities

Increased Funding for Risk Management Program 

The Ontario government is increasing annual funding for its Risk Management Program from $150 million to $250 million to enhance support for farmers and the province’s agri-food sector. The $100 million increase will support farmers in responding to market challenges while boosting their long-term business confidence and competitiveness.

Read more about the increase. 

Funding Boost to On-Farm Climate Action Fund 

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association is one of 13 recipients to benefit from the federal government’s expansion of the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF). Ottawa has announced an additional $300 million over the next 3 years to help farmers become more climate resilient. Recipients will redistribute funding through individual application intakes. Visit the OFCAF website for additional project details.

Youth Employment and

Skills Program

Applications close February 24 for the Youth Employment and Skills Program. The federal program provides funding to organizations to deliver a range of activities that help youth (aged 15 to 30) overcome barriers to employment. The program offers support for 50 per cent of wages to a maximum of $14,000.

Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements. 

Local Food Infrastructure Fund 

Applications are open until February 28 for the Local Food Infrastructure Fund. This federal program aims to support locally driven projects that will help improve community food security through the purchase and installation of infrastructure/equipment that will increase access to local, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.

Find out how to apply. 

Upcoming Events

Be a Part of UnConference 2 

On February 27, Durham College’s The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture will host its second annual Urban Agriculture UnConference. This multi-disciplinary conference will bring leaders from across the policy, education, food security, and innovation sectors to discuss reimagining urban spaces to strengthen urban agriculture in communities. Get tickets for UnConference 2. 

Cultivating Local Workshops

Thinking about selling direct to consumer and wondering how to get started? Check out Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s Cultivating Local workshops.

On February 27, you’ll go beyond food and investigate the opportunities to sell textiles, ornamental horticulture and more. Previous sessions are also available to watch online. 

Durham Farm Connections Open House 

Join Durham Farm Connections for its Open House on April 2 from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at the Luther Vipond Memorial Arena in Brooklin. At this free interactive event, you’ll meet Durham Region farmers, enjoy live farm animals and watch farm demonstrations.

News and Headlines

Contact Us

Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857

InvestDurham.ca 



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