Agricultural Development

Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program – Claim Requirements

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Generating more than $5.2 billion in direct sales annually (not including value added or further processing), the livestock industry is an important contributor to the strength of Ontario’s economy.

One of the challenges with raising livestock in rural and remote areas is predation by wildlife.

The Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program compensates producers for livestock losses incurred as a result of predation. Municipalities appoint Livestock Valuers to inspect and prepare a report on any livestock losses from wildlife. In unincorporated areas of Ontario, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Agriculture Development Advisors do this.

In preparation for making a claim, producers are encouraged to: Continue reading Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program – Claim Requirements →

Economic Development

Want to learn about downtown revitalization?

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The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ Downtown Revitalization Program is a comprehensive program that supports the economic development efforts of rural communities across Ontario. An initial step in this program is the  intensive downtown revitalization coordinator training provided by OMAFRA staff. This training is focused on identifying the processes and tools required to successfully undertake a downtown revitalization project.

Continue reading Want to learn about downtown revitalization? →

Economic Development

Municipal Agriculture Economic Development Forum – Taking Registrations!

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Registration is now open for the 8th annual Municipal Agriculture Economic Development Forum, taking place November 2 – 3, 2016. The forum will be hosted by the Town of Caledon and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Those with municipal and economic development portfolios, with specific focus on farming, food processing, agri-tourism, equine/agri-business sector, and agri-entrepreneurship, will have an opportunity to network, share successes, and experience the “tastes” and sites of Caledon. Register to learn more about programs and opportunities for the agricultural sector.   Continue reading Municipal Agriculture Economic Development Forum – Taking Registrations! →

Agricultural Development, Economic Development

Fall Fairs: A lasting impression

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It’s the season of fall fairs. These annual events provide an opportunity for farmers to showcase their work, interact with the general public, and evaluate their produce and livestock against other farmers.

Fall fairs are a celebration of  agriculture everywhere The local fall fair brings farmers and consumers together. A recent study indicated that three-quarters of fair attendees think that agricultural education is an important component of fair attendance. For many people, it is their once a year time to get up close and personal with a farm animal or product.

For farmers the opportunity to exhibit their farm product can be a major marketing opportunity. A great example is of this is showing livestock in competitions. Winning championships can be a major boost for farm promotion. More importantly, showing the rest of the farming community your breeding program can lead to sales, and further marketing opportunities. Commercial farmers may see an animal they like and invest in a bull. Embryos sold from show cattle can go to farms across the country and around the globe, or a leading bull can be identified for semen sales.

Continue reading Fall Fairs: A lasting impression →

Agricultural Development

Diversifying the Cash Crop Industry in Northern Ontario

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Northern Ontario, with its cooler growing conditions, is known to grow good quality forages and spring grains. However, the past three decades has seen a diversification and expansion of the cash crop sector in the north.

With fewer livestock farms in the north, resulting in fewer acres of forages being grown (less livestock, less feed required) and the expansion of overall farm acreage, producers have been looking at different crop alternatives. Continue reading Diversifying the Cash Crop Industry in Northern Ontario →

Organizational Development

Be an Effective Leader

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Anyone can become an effective leader with the willingness to learn and practice the necessary skills. Everyone has a unique set of competencies, life experiences, and values that they bring to any situation. These competencies are the building blocks for making a good leader. The role of a leader  is to inspire and guide people to reach solutions, not manage them.

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Economic Development

Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation annual Conference

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The Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF), annual conference will be held in Guelph, Ontario from October 12 – 15, 2016.

 The Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) was established in 1989 to contribute to the revitalization and sustainability of rural Canada through collaborative research for rural leaders in the community, private sector, and in all levels of government.

CRRF works to create credible insights and to improve an understanding of issues and opportunities that are of common interest to rural residents across Canada. Knowledge and better understanding are the fundamental pillars for the welfare of rural communities and environments. Continue reading Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation annual Conference →

Economic Development

Downtown Revitalization Community of Practice Sessions

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For the second year in a row, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has partnered with the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) to organize and deliver three Downtown Revitalization Community of Practice sessions. These sessions are being hosted in communities that are at various stages in their downtown revitalization program. The sessions are designed to provide a balance of perspectives about the challenges and opportunities associated with launching a Downtown Revitalization initiative, developing strategies to respond to changing markets, and maintaining support over the longer term.

These one-day sessions showcase the community, and the individuals or organizations involved in the revitalization of the downtown. This includes presentations by the host community and partner organizations, facilitated discussions on downtown revitalization best practices, and networking opportunities. Community of Practice sessions are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

More information and registration details can be found on the OBIAA website. OMAFRA facilitates and coordinates resources and tools to build the capacity of rural Ontario communities for economic development. For more information on OMAFRA’s Downtown Revitalization program, visit our website or contact the Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor in your area.

Economic Development

Let Analyst Data Help Make Your Economic Development Decisions Easier

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I’m finding that with the Olympics taking place, there is a lot of talk about global economic trends and the potential financial impacts making the rounds at the local coffee shop.  Will your community be affected?  You might be thinking “How can I get started on answering this question and still get away from the office?” Simple, book an appointment and ask Analyst, EMSI Analyst.

Continue reading Let Analyst Data Help Make Your Economic Development Decisions Easier →