A weekly press release prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. If you require further information, regarding this press release, please call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30am to 5pm. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA Website: www.omafra.gov.on.ca
“ONTARIOFRESH.CA” LAUNCHES IN THE FALL
Registration is now open for Ontariofresh.ca, the new free website and online community that is being created to expand the market for buyers and sellers of local Ontario food. The aim is to make connections across the food service value chain, linking bulk buyers, chefs, restaurants, caterers and distributors as well as growers and producers.
Register for a profile today, and let Ontariofresh.ca help get your business connected. This site will provide buyers, both inside and outside of broader public sector institutions, with the opportunity to find new local food sources that are right for their business. At the same time, farmers will be able to make new business connections with buyers who are interested in the products they raise and/or grow. The marketplace feature will allow users to make requests for items or product offerings that may be available at a moment’s notice.
Throughout the spring and summer, information will be collected and profiles built to prepare for the full Ontariofresh.ca launch in September. You can register your business’ profile at Ontariofresh.ca or by calling 1-888-249-9399 or 647-426-8420.
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN by John C. Benham
If you are planning to do an EFP project in 2012, applications will be available on Thursday, September 15 in the Elora OMAFRA Boardroom. It is expected that the Cost Share money will all be taken up in one day so you need to come early that day with all the information and supplies you will need to complete your application.
Another small change has been made to the procedure. When you have completed your application, your Farm Business Registration Number along with the application number will be immediately forwarded to Guelph and that places you in the line up for the Cost Share money. So it is very important to be at the OMAFRA meeting room on Thursday, September 15th earlier rather than later in the day.
If you have not completed a Program Enrolment Form please call 519-846-3394 or email me at wellington@ontariosoilcrop.org. I will forward one to you so you will complete it before September 15.
To complete your Application for Cost Share on Thursday, September 15, you need the following:
1) If you have livestock, a copy of your Premises Identification Number Certificate from OnTrace must be sent with applications;
2) Farm Business Registration Number (Farm Organization Membership Number);
3) EFP Workbook;
4) Lot, concession and township;
5) Watershed;
6) Soil type
7) Project cost and description of project
Please note: if you completed a Program Enrollment last year and there have been changes, a new one is required. For information or you have questions, call 519-846-3394 or email wellington@ontariosoilcrop.org.
SPECIES AT RISK by John C. Benham
The Species At Risk Incentive Program has been renewed for 2011. Three of the Practice Codes have been increased to 100% support. This program is separate from the EFP Cost Share but a completed Third Edition EFP workbook is a requirement.
Projects apply to cropland, grassland, riparian areas, wetlands and woodlands. If you have capped out in any of these Practice Codes in EFP, here is an opportunity to do more work and be well supported financially. For more information or a request for the brochure, contact John at 519-846-3394 or email wellington@ontariosoilcrop.org.
COMING EVENTS:
Sept. 8-11 Arthur Agricultural Fair, Arthur. For more information, call 519-527-1321 (*part day).
Sept. 9-10 Aberfoyle & Tractor Pull, Aberfoyle. For more information, call 519-824-2369 (*part day).
Sept. 13-15 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Canada’s Outdoor Park, Woodstock. Watch for event details at: http://www.outdoorfarmshow.com/.
Sept. 16*-18 Fergus Agricultural Fair, Fergus Community Centre. For information: 519-856-9621 (*part day).
Sept. 16-18 Harriston-Minto Agricultural Fair, Harriston. For more information, call 519-338-3903.
Sept. 24 Fall Rural Romp – self guided tour of farms and markets throughout Wellington County. Visit www.guelphwellingtonlocalfood.ca.
Sept. 20-24 2011 International Plowing Match, Prescott-Russell County. Details at: http://www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2011/index.php.
Sept. 27 Wellington County Farm Safety regular meeting at Husky Farm Equipment, Alma at 8:00 p.m. sharp. For more information, call Walter Grose at 519-846-5329.
Oct. 7*-10 Erin Fall Fair, Erin. For more information, call 519-833-2808 (*part day).
Oct. 14 Wellington County Plowmen’s Banquet and Awards Night, Alma Hall at 7:00 p.m. Advance ticket sales, tickets available from any Director or call 519-846-0137.
Oct. 25 Wellington County Farm Safety regular meeting at Husky Farm Equipment, Alma at 8:00 p.m. sharp. For more information, call Walter Grose at 519-846-5329.
