March 2015












 

Join OMAFRA in their upcoming free interactive workshops throughout March and April to learn the basics of economic development.

The workshops, with dates across the Golden Horseshoe, aim to give participants practical tools to help their municipalities develop and implement an economic development strategy.
 

Click here for more information, including workshop dates and locations.

 


Durham Farm Connections is hosting their annual Grade 3 program and Open House on April 7th - 9 th this year.


Be sure to check out this popular, engaging event to connect with your local food and farming community, and get your kids or students learning about farm life in a fun, hands-on way.

If you've developed and implemented an innovative product or process within your agriculture or food business, you could be eligible to receive a Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence.

 

Read more about this funding opportunity here. Applications will be accepted until Friday, April 10, 2015 at 5 p.m.


The Nutrition Resource Centre (NRC) has recently been hosting a series of food literacy webinars, Unpacking Food Literacy.

 

Earlier this month they took a look at the Community Food Advisor (CFA) program, highlighting some specific efforts through Hamilton Public Health Services' CFA Program.


Read our blog post here to find out more about the work that is going on in Hamilton, strengthening the community through food literacy and food skills education.


 
OMAFRA has released draft PPS Guidelines on permitted uses in Ontario's prime agricultural areas, which have been posted for a 90-day commenting period.

 

As these Guidelines closely affect farmers, rural municipal planners, and municipal staff, we hosted a feedback session this past Friday, March 20, in Milton alongside the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation; Helma Geerts, Policy Advisor at OMAFRA, presented the draft Guidelines with a follow-up discussion.

Halton chefs, restaurateurs, farmers and tourism professionals will be gathering Thursday, March 26, for the second annual Halton Region Food Tourism Summit - Steps to Sustainability.

The event aims to bring together Halton's food community to network, learn about innovative sustainable practices and industry initiatives, and increase access to locally sourced foods.

Speak up for the Golden Horseshoe, and Beyond

Climate Change Consultations 
 

Ontario has released a climate change discussion paper and is inviting citizens, businesses and communities to share ideas on how to fight climate change while fostering economic growth.


 

Your proposals will help to drive discussion and recommendations on how Ontario can support a high-productivity, low-carbon economy and clean communities across the province. If you haven't yet, read more information here.

T
here have been in-person consultations running throughout February and March that have just wrapped up, but you can still join the conversation online.
 
 

 

Co-ordinated Land Use Planning Review for the Greater Golden Horseshoe


Visit the Ontario Ministry of 
Municipal Affairs and Housing website for upcoming dates and locations of Regional Town Hall Meetings.

The province wants to hear your ideas on how to make the plans stronger and work better together.  Be a voice for the Golden Horseshoe .
Contact:
Janet Horner, Executive Director,
Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance
janet@whitfieldfarms.com
www.foodandfarming.ca