Hello again

We are Harvest Haliburton - a grassroots group of individuals and organizations supporting the development of a sustainable food system in Haliburton County.

Harvest Haliburton envisions a community where the ecological, social, economic and nutritional benefits of a local sustainable food system are valued and celebrated. We hope to raise awareness about the benefits of a sustainable food system, and to promote and support policies necessary for its development by working in collaboration with key stakeholders.

The purpose of this newsletter is to share information about all things food in the Haliburton Highlands and keep you up to date on the activities of Harvest Haliburton. If you know of anyone who would like to receive this newsletter have them send an email to barrieinthehighlands@gmail.com and we will add them to our distribution list.

Harvest Haliburton is a part of the Haliburton County Community Cooperative

Call for Volunteers

Can you help us support the the development of a sustainable food system in Haliburton County? Please consider volunteering for one of our committees.

Steering Committee which guides the activities of our organization and currently includes Angel Taylor, Andrew Gordon (Director of U-Links). Angelica Ingram (Tourism Manager, County of Haliburton), Tina Jackson, Central Food Network, Pat Casey (Councillor, Municipality of Dysart et al). Aisha Malik (Co-chair and Public Health Dietitian, HKPR District Health Unit) and Barrie Martin (Co-chair and Coop Liaison)

Local Food Forum Sub-committee - To organize a forum scheduled for October 17 to bring all stakeholders together to share information and to network. Members so far include Andrew Gordon, Brian Nash (Rotary Harvest),Aisha Malik and Barrie Martin

Education Sub-Committee - in collaboration with partners support the development, organization, and promotion of education workshops.  Members so far include Angela Kruger. Aisha Malik and Barrie Martin

If you would like more information or volunteer for one of these committees contact Aisha Malik at amalik@hkpr.on.ca or Barrie Martin at barrieinthehighlands@gmail.com

Plant a Row, Grow a Row: Share Your Harvest!

If you are planning your gardens, please plan for a bit extra! Your surplus zucchini, tomatoes, or carrots can help nourish individuals and families facing food insecurity. Every little bit makes a difference! Drop off your fresh produce to your local food bank and help bring homegrown goodness to our community! 

Food Secure Canada

Food Secure Canada

is national nonprofit organization amplifying the power of diverse voices to transform the food system through dialogue, advocacy, and capacity building.

Canada’s local food system faces major roadblocks 

As Canada’s trade conflict with the United States escalates, governments are encouraging Canadians to buy local to support the country’s economic, social and environmental stability and independence.

Seizing Opportunities to Grow Ontario’s Local Agri-Products Sector

Thinking about selling direct to consumer and wondering how to get started? Check out this series of workshops below to help kick off your local food, agritourism or value-added venture.

This is a Tim Hortons/Central Food Network initiative 

Sustainable Shores and Garden Event - Intro to Foraging with Steve Lukacic

Harvest Haliburton is pleased to participate in the Sustainable Shores and Garden Event presented by the Friends of Ecological and Environmental Learning. The event is happening on May 17 and 18 at Abbey Gardens. We are sponsoring the following presentation:

Intro to Foraging with Steve Lukacic 

Sunday May 18, 2025 from 11am - 12pm

Wild plants and mushrooms are everywhere you look outdoors—you’ve seen them your entire life—but after this brief introductory talk you’ll begin to see and understand them in a whole new way! The satisfaction of being able to accurately identify wild foods and medicine, and the greater connection you cultivate with the living world around you are just some of the benefits of sustainable foraging.

This immersive 1hr presentation includes a handout participants can take home, and examples of common wild foods and medicines. Designed as a true human experience it features NO GLOWING RECTANGLES, but rather focuses on conversation, shared reading, and leaves lots of time for questions and answers…

About Steve: "Avid outdoorsman and forager Stephan Lukacic is an outdoor educator, professional fishing guide, and writer for Outdoor Canada Magazine among other publications. He creates conservation-minded hunting, fishing, foraging, and organic gardening content on his Instagram & YouTube channels @stevie_funfur, along with videos on sustainability, self-reliance, nature, and living a healthy outdoors lifestyle"

Harvest Haven - Unveiling Haliburton's Bounty Through Agri-Tourism



Community Consultation & Recommendations for Agri-Tourism Initiative Development

Research conducted by student Sadie Snell, School of the Environment, Trent University