March 2017 

Cricket Chili, Entomo Farms photo

Innovative food businesses have been focusing on this protein for a few years now. The Future of Food and Farming Forum in 2015 was abuzz with its potential. And it's been growing exponentially as a nutritious, environmentally-friendly alternative protein on plates across the globe.

We're talking about insects. 

Check out our blog, where we take a closer look at this rising protein star, and highlight  some forward-thinking Canadian entrepreneurs that realized the industry's potential and hopped on board with the growing movement a few years ago. 

We had the pleasure of talking with one of these Ontario businesses, Entomo Farms, a global leader in the cultivation of cricket flour, cricket powder and insect protein. Read more here.

In addition to propelling the industry forward, innovation in agriculture produces a myriad of benefits for producers and consumers (and everyone in between). 

We connected with Trillium Lamb Inc. regarding their innovative data centre, for which they won a  Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence last year. 

Check out the Q&A with Trillium Lamb on our blog, where they highlight the value in innovation, data and technology on the farm.
Halton Region's 5th annual  Agricultural Forum  will focus on the importance of soil health in sustainable crop production, and is taking place this Thursday, March 30, from 7-9 p.m. at Country Heritage Park in Milton.

Registration is required but the event is free to attend.

The forum offers an excellent learning and networking opportunity for those interested in or already involved in agriculture and food.

The provincial and federal governments have added four new project categories under the  Growing Forward 2 Program  that are dedicated to helping farmers transition to a low carbon economy, aiming to support Ontario farmers while boosting energy efficiency on farming operations.

Applications will be accepted in two intake periods: from  April 4 to April 18, 2017 , and from  May 12 to June 1, 2017 .


The Regional Municipality of York and the York Region Agricultural Advisory Liaison Group are in the midst of developing an   agriculture and agri-food strategy.

As part of the process, they are reaching out to agriculture and food producers, consumers, businesses and organizations. The online survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and is up until the end of the month - so if you're interested, offer your feedback as soon as possible.

Contact:
Janet Horner, Executive Director,
Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance
janet@whitfieldfarms.com
www.foodandfarming.ca