The 12th annual Municipal Agriculture Economic Development & Planning Forum took place on November 18-19, 2020. The forum showcased exciting agricultural and rural projects happening in Huron County and throughout Ontario. Ways to engage and grow agriculture along the value chain, and opportunities for planning and economic development were highlighted to the more than 230 people in attendance.
Energetic discussions explored topics such as export as a growth strategy, direct selling in a COVID world, inspiring innovation within a municipality and more!
The forum focused on working together to grow a better future for the Agri-Food sector. Whether you want to:
- Promote local food
- Brand your region
- Support export initiatives
- Drive innovation in your region
Listed below are several tools and resources to support your work. Visit these links for more information:
OMAFRA Resources
Agriculture Economic Development Community Resource Guidebook
The Agriculture Economic Development Guidebook is designed to help economic developers, land-use planners, municipal councils and community leaders explore agriculture as an economic development opportunity. The guidebook focuses on use of a community-led planning process to enhance the prosperity of the sector and boost the rural economy.
These resources will help you learn more about exporting products to markets outside Ontario. These resources will help you support clients and businesses throughout your region and along the Ag Value Chain.
The Agricultural System Approach (unique in North America) addresses the protection of farmland and the viability of the agri-food sector. Resources include implementation of procedures, GIS data of the agricultural land base, provincial plans, and economic development resource guides for communities.
For questions or further information on OMAFRA resources, view our Advisor Map to contact your regional economic development advisor.
Ontario Federation of Agriculture Resources
The Always in Season Toolkit is designed to guide communities through potential activities, key performance metrics, funding resources and collaboration methods to support the agri-food sector. The toolkit includes tips, templates and ideas for communities to initiate.
Feeding Your Future connects agri-food employers with current job seekers to fill labour shortages in the Ontario agricultural sector, both now and in the future. The website uses a matching service, virtual career fairs, a webinar series and specialized training opportunities. The program has developed a support system for employers while creating job prospects for Ontarians.
Virtual Field Trip – Explore Huron County!
Take a virtual tour of Huron County to explore some of its most exciting agricultural and rural projects.
Take the opportunity to Explore Huron County, a leader in agriculture production, business and municipal innovation through a series of videos highlighting local assets.
Hosts: Huron County and OMAFRA
Sponsored by OPPI, Huron County Economic Development
Leave a Reply