June 2025

Tackling Food Insecurity in Durham Region

Feed the Need in Durham (FTND) is taking an innovative approach to address food insecurity across Durham Region. It is partnering with local food producer Mighty Harvest and their vertical farming technology to increase the quantity of fresh produce and reach more people in need.

With its Feed Durham pilot project, FTND is looking to provide healthy food to over 700 families per week by cultivating an internal method of food production that will provide local, sustainable, and environmentally friendly sources of fresh produce to The Market Food Banks.

The project will also look at how using technology in urban areas can build sustainable, community-driven food security that could transform neighbourhoods across Durham.

The Region’s annual Business Count is underway. Data collected through the Business Count will be used for municipal planning and analysis, programming to grow our local industries, and to help plan for business services to build a stronger local economy.

All businesses, including home-based businesses, non-profit organizations and farms, are encouraged to participate.

Exciting updates are brewing! The Durham College (DC) Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation has officially been renamed the DC Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation (CCBI). The name change reflects CCBI’s expanded focus on all fermented craft beverages, including beer, hard cider, wine, seltzers, kombucha, and steeped beverages.

For over a decade, CCBI at Durham College has provided state-of-the-art facilities, lab testing, expert guidance, and hands-on support to help craft beverage makers avoid common mistakes, improve quality, and turn ideas into reality. 

Whether you're enhancing your existing operations for better efficiency and consistency, or developing a brand-new product, CCBI can help you take the next step in craft beverage innovation.

High school students in Durham Region experienced hands-on learning in agriculture and technology at the Precision Agriculture Field Day on May 27.

From crop planting technology to exploring GPS mapping, drones, apple production, and soil health, students had the chance to dive into the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of farming. Each interactive session provided insight into agriculture careers, environmental sustainability, agri-tech, and precision agriculture practices that support food production. 

Run in partnership with Durham Farm Connections, Invest Durham thanks our farm hosts, the industry professionals who shared their expertise and the students who made this an engaging opportunity.

Is your business hosting a farm event or festival this fall? We want to feature you! This fall, Durham Tourism is partnering with Destination Ontario to help promote all the farm fun our region has to offer—including pumpkin fields, apple picking, corn mazes and more.

If your business is hosting a farm event between September 2 and October 12, let us know! Contact Durham Tourism with the following information:

• Event title 
• Dates 
• Details 
• Link (if applicable) 

Visit DurhamTourism.ca/gather to view our list of farm events from last year to see how your business could be featured. The deadline to apply is June 30.

Durham Region Health Department has sent out its latest Animals in Public Settings Information Package to petting zoo and open farm operators. The information package has gone digital this year and provides guidelines for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both visitors and animals.

Operators must complete and return the Petting Zoo Operation Notification Form found in the information package and adhere to standards outlined by Durham Region Health Department and the Ontario Ministry of Health. These measures help prevent illness and ensure best practices and public safety. Contact EHL@durham.ca for more information.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce – together with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council, Food and Beverage Ontario, and Food Processing Skills Canada – has launched a new program called Seeding Digital Skills.

The 12-week online coure uses simulation technology to provide free hands-on training for employees in the agricultural and food and beverage processing industries. Whether you’re growing crops, raising livestock, or running a processing plant, this training will help your team make smarter decisions and your business thrive. 

The Seeding Digital Skills program runs from July 2025 to January 2026 and involves 3 hours per week of live and self-paced learning. Read the program guide for more information.

The Ontario Farmland Trust, with support from the Greenbelt Foundation, is leading a community-driven study exploring the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve (DRAP). This initiative will provide a framework for the DRAP, Ontario’s only agricultural preserve.

Located next to the Rouge National Urban Park, DRAP is home to 4,700 acres of Class 1 agricultural lands and natural areas. The preserve plays a critical role in supporting a vibrant agri-food sector in Durham Region. 

Those interested are invited to fill out a survey that will assess how the DRAP is fulfilling the needs of the community (agriculture or otherwise).

Funding Opportunities

OSCIA Cost-Share Programs

Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) has several cost-share programs that are open to applications. Ontario farmers who are experiencing financial difficulty may qualify to access financial advisory services to complete a Farm Financial Analysis as part of the Special Provisions for Financial Difficulties program. Ontario farmers who want to make their agricultural lands more productive and resilient could be eligible for the Resilient Agricultural Landscape program. While the Species at Risk Farm Incentive program provides cost-share funding to qualifying farmers to undertake habitat creation, enhancement and protection best management practices. Visit OSCIA for an overview of its cost-share programs.   

Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative

The Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative helps primary producers and processors in Ontario's agri-food sector tackle local labour challenges. With up to $4 million in funding available, the initiative supports innovative strategies for attracting, recruiting and retaining workers in the agri-food sector. 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.  

Applications Open for AgriInnovate Program

The Government of Canada is accepting applications to the AgriInnovate Program. This program provides repayable contributions to support the commercialization, demonstration and adoption of commercial-ready innovative technologies and processes in the agri-food sector. Visit the AgriInnovate Program’s website for eligibility requirements and application information. 

Ontario Together Trade Fund Program

Ontario companies impacted by trade disruptions could be eligible for the Ontario Together Trade Fund. This $50 million fund aims to help businesses make short-term investments so they can serve more customers across provinces, develop new markets and bring back critical supply chains affected by U.S. tariffs. Read program guidelines. 

Upcoming Events

The Barrett Centre is hosting its first open house of the summer season at its urban farm in Ajax. On June 26 from 2 to 5 p.m., take part in farm activities while touring the farm. Sample from a culinary demo by Chef Alex Page and shop at the fresh produce market. Learn more about the Barrett Centre. 

Agritourism Farmer Survey

Agritourism Ontario is conducting an Agritourism Growth Study to explore opportunities for growing Ontario's vibrant agritourism sector. The research will involve an industry-wide farmer survey, one-on-one interviews with key industry representatives, and research on sector challenges and opportunities. The program aims to clarify the sector’s economic impact and identify future growth opportunities. Take the Agritourism farmer survey.

Support the Future of Canadian Agri-Tech   

Brilliant Catalyst, Ontario Tech University’s start-up incubator and experiential learning hub is looking for collaborators for its upcoming Catalyst Challenge. Over 10 days (August 18 to 25), post-secondary students across Canada will collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to tackle real-world issues in Agri-Tech. Brilliant Catalyst is looking for industry leaders, experts, innovators, and community partners who can lend their insight, increase impact, and validate student solutions. Connect with Brilliant Catalyst to learn more about getting involved.

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.