October News and Events
Last chance to register for the only hands-on, full-season maple training opportunity in the province!
Participants in the FAW Maple Syrup Mentorship receive over 30 hours of instruction from mentors who have been producing maple products for nearly to 50 years. The curriculum-based program will cover aspects of sugar bush management with an emphasis on forest health; all steps in the production cycle, from sap collection to syrup and value-added maple production; as well as the economics and marketing involved in running a successful maple business in Ontario.
The program is offered over five field days between late October 2015 and May 2016, which will be held at the Mentors' farm near Campbellford. In addition to hands-on instruction, participants also receive one-on-one support from their mentors between field days, for those times when questions arise, or when they run into problems on their own farms. And in order to help mentees forge new connections with the community of maple producers, participants will receive an Affiliate Membership with the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association, and have the opportunity to attend an OMSPA Info Day in late January, where they will gain valuable exposure to the maple industry in Ontario.
So whether you're a complete beginner who's wondering how best to start out in the maple business, or if you've been producing maple products for a while now and are looking to improve efficiencies and grow your business, then this new program is meant for you!
For all the nitty gritty, head on over to farmsatwork.ca, or give us a call at (705) 743-7671.
Looking for farmland? Two awesome rental opportunities were just posted to Find Farmland!
50 Acres, Northumberland
"We have just bought a large farm north of Newtonville, Ontario. We invite you to come farm some of our acreage. We hope to have partnerships with farmers looking to do some interesting projects on our land. We are open to negotiable arrangements and encourage creative thinking on what to farm here..."
10-20 Beautiful Acres in Brighton
"Current successful small meat (pork, lamb)/egg CSA looking for farmer to develop/move their own complimentary enterprises (vegetable CSA, poultry, pastured beef). Willing to share existing market. Housing for 1-2 people, land, machinery, water, fencing and hydro available..."
2015 Family Farm of the Year
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture are still seeking nominations for the 2015 Farm Family of the Year Award. This award recognizes a farm family that has demonstrated good farming practices, an interest in the farming community, and interest and participation by the family in its operation. If you know of a family who should be considered for this award, or if you think your own family should be considered as well (which is definitely an option!), click here for more info!
Submissions are due by Monday October 12, so don't delay!
First Annual Local Food Report Available Now
With the passing of the Local Food Act in 2013, Premier Kathleen Wynne challenged Ontario's agri-food sector to double its growth rate and create 120,000 jobs by the year 2020. The first series of the act's goals (for food literacy) were announced back in January of this year, and now, as a requirement of the act, the Ontario government has published its first annual Local Food Report, which will help chart the province's progress in bringing local food to more tables across the province.
For more info, check out the 2014-15 Local Food Report.
Eat Think Vote
Led by Food Secure Canada, Eat Think Vote is making food an issue in the upcoming federal election.
The Eat Think Vote campaign recognizes that agriculture in Canada is facing an unprecedented succession crisis. Half of the country’s farming population is over 55 and over 80% are looking to retire in the next ten years. The time to support new farmers and farmers transitioning to more sustainable forms of production is now. To read more on supporting new farmers, click here.
Eat Think Vote wants to see the creation of federal programs designed to reduce the barriers new farmers face in accessing land, capital and training, all of which are priorities for Farms at Work as well.
Read about the proposed national food policy for Canada, and consider signing the petition for a national food policy supporting a just, healthy, and sustainable food system in Canada.
To find an Eat Think Vote event in your community, click here.
5th Annual Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference
Hosted by the Cities of Belleville and Quinte West, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. This year’s conference theme is “Creativity+Collaboration=Action”.
The focus of the conference will centre around innovative businesses and organizations that realize the value of collaboration to help pave the way to success. Participants will tour local food sites, collaborate with local food stakeholders, be inspired by speakers and network with peers and industry experts. Local food producers and others that support local food can now register for the November 4th Local Food Tour and Reception, followed by a full conference agenda on November 5th.
Online registration is open at eastontlocalfood.ca. Attendees can register for the full conference including the Quinte Region Local Food Tour and Reception scheduled for Nov. 4th.
To stay up-to-date on the latest news about the Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference, visit them on Facebook and Twitter.
Drought-Proofing Your Land
Join our friends over at Circle Organic for a one day workshop on water harvesting designs with permaculture designer, Douglas Barnes. This "Earthworks" course will teach you how to lessen the impact of drought on your land and will include classroom and field instruction, with principles illustrated by the system installed at Circle Organic.
For more details, visit circleorganic.ca.
2015 Bring Food Home Conference & Farmer Training Day
Get ready for Bring Food Home: Digging Deeper, happening November 20-22, 2015 in Sudbury, ON!
As the 4th biennial conference, Digging Deeper will build on the exceptional success of the past Bring Food Home gatherings to once again offer captivating speakers, thought-provoking and resource-packed sessions, interactive local tours, and countless opportunities to connect with others from across Ontario and beyond. All are welcome to the signature Feast of Local Flavours, featuring the best of Sudbury and Northeastern Ontario’s local fare.
And make sure to check out all the details about Farmer Training Day, a jam-packed day of farmer-focussed workshops happening on the Friday of the conference. Workshops will be held in two streams for farmers just starting out, and those who have a few years of farming experience under their belts already.
For all the details, and to register, visit bringfoodhome.com.