Agriculture & Rural Economic Development Newsletter
November 2021 | Volume 10, Issue 6
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In This Issue:
- Made in Durham: Presents Presents Presents Gearing up for the Holiday Season!
- Grown in Durham: Celebrate Agriculture Award Winners
- Shop Where You Live
- Rural Response to COVID-19: A Survey of Residents from Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge
- Congratulations to the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program – Class’19
- Virtual Learning Series for Seniors
- Complete the Durham Tourism Strategic Plan Survey
- Greenbelt Foundation, Municipalities Supporting Local Agriculture Report
- 2020 Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance Annual Report
- Ontario Expansion of Farmer Mental Health Program
- DFC Trailer Coordinator Job Posting
- THEE Farmers Parade of Lights Returns for 2021
- Brock Business Survey
- Durham Region Realtor and Developer Event
- Regional Chair’s Video Messages to Support Durham’s Agricultural Operators
- Durham Local Food Directory
- Farm 911 Program
- Sequestr: Agroforestry
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) Recent Funding and Announcements
- Updates to the Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program
- Funding Available Through the Jobs and Growth Fund
- Digital Main Street 3.0
- Upcoming Events
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Made in Durham: Presents Presents Presents Gearing up for the Holiday Season! |
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The holiday season is fast approaching! Now is the time to get ahead on your holiday shopping. Presents Presents Presents in downtown Uxbridge is ready to help you find the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Serving the Uxbridge community and beyond since 1988, Presents Presents Presents has an impressive inventory of hand-picked gifts for all ages.
Customers are invited to shop in-store and check out their holiday season store re-set that was recently unveiled. Alternatively, customers can shop online or make a list prior to their visit. Curbside pick-up and delivery options are available with free delivery for anyone residing in a L9P postal code or on orders over $99 throughout most of Durham Region.
Remember to #ShopInDurham this holiday season to show your support for all our amazing local business owners!
Photo credit @TracyWalkerPhoto
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Grown in Durham: Celebrate Agriculture Award Winners |
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Durham Farm Connections hosted their annual Celebrate Agriculture Awards virtually on October 28. The gala awarded the 2020 and 2021 winners of the Farm Family, Spirit of Agriculture and Leadership Awards. Below is a list of the very deserving award recipients.
Farm Family Award
- 2020 Farm Family: The Ashton Family
- 2021 Farm Family: The Lockie, Rush and Spearing Families
Spirit of Agriculture Award
- 2020 Spirit of Agriculture Winner: Brenda Metcalf
- 2021 Spirit of Agriculture Winner: Ken Lamb
Leadership Award
- 2020 Leadership Award Winner: Gerrit Herrema
- 2021 Leadership Award Winner: Ryan Cullen
Durham Region is lucky to have so many agricultural leaders and champions. We would like to thank and recognize Durham Farm Connections for their hard work in creating and delivering another successful Celebrate Agriculture Gala.
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Rural Response to COVID-19: A Survey of Residents from Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge |
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Residents of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge are asked to share their experience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a research project being led by the University of Guelph, in partnership with the Region of Durham and Community Development Council Durham.
All households in the Townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge will receive a survey in the mail. Residents are encouraged to complete the survey online or mail the paper copy back in the pre-paid envelope provided. Electronic survey will close on November 30.
Any questions can be directed to lead researcher, Dr. Leith Deacon at 519-824-4120 extension 52521 or Leith.Deacon@uoguelph.ca.
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Congratulations to the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program - Class'19 |
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The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) is an 18-month experiential executive leadership program for those who want to shape the future of the agriculture and food industry and make a positive difference in rural communities across Ontario.
Congratulations to Allison Brown (Agriculture Economic Development Specialist) at Invest Durham for her acceptance into Class’19. Durham region is well represented in the program with participants including Don Gordon (Dairy Farmers of Ontario and Cannington area dairy farmer) and Ann Samuels (co-owner of Wealth’s Riches Incorporated, located in Port Perry). Learn more about AALP Class’19.
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Virtual Learning Series for Seniors |
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Studies have shown time and time again the benefits of lifelong learning. For seniors, learning opportunities can help improve memory and cognitive skills, reduce social isolation, and maintain the dignity of older adults and people with disabilities.
Funded through an Inclusive Communities Grant, Durham Region has teamed up with the municipalities of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge to present a virtual learning series for seniors.
This series features educational workshops, recreational classes and community challenges for older adults in Durham Region. Learn more and sign up at durham.ca/LearningSeries.
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Complete the Durham Tourism Strategic Plan Survey |
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The tourism industry is extremely important for both community-building and economic development. Durham Tourism recognizes the role you play in supporting vibrant communities and attracting visitors. In collaboration with stakeholders and municipal partners, we are developing a tourism strategy that accurately captures the strengths of the region. The development of a 2022-2026 Durham Tourism Strategic Plan will provide a unified road map for coordinated tourism growth and success in the Region.
We want your voice heard and thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this important survey. The survey closes on November 30 at 5 p.m.
The strategy development must begin with our stakeholders. The result will be a relevant, usable, and implementable tourism strategy that will have achievable action items to enhance and elevate tourism in Durham Region.
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Greenbelt Foundation, Municipalities Supporting Local Agriculture Report |
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The Greenbelt Foundation recently released a report titled, Enhancing Municipal Capacity to Support Agriculture in the Greenbelt. The report examines several municipalities across Ontario’s greenbelt and explores the challenges and opportunities in supporting the needs of the agri-food industry. It also includes information about how municipalities can support the industry as it evolves.
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2020 Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance Annual Report |
The Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance (GHFFA) released their 2020 annual report highlighting many accomplishments over the past year. Accomplishments included expanding the ConnectOn Asset Mapping portal and advancing the Servicing Up Local II: Economic Assessment to determine the impact of local food in long-term care facilities.
The GHFFA’s five-year action plan will ensure the Golden Horseshoe retains, enhances and expands its role as a leading food and farming cluster in North America. Read the 2020 Annual Report.
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Ontario Expansion of Farmer Mental Health Program |
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The provincial government committed to expanding the “In the Know” mental health literacy program, which aims to provide mental health supports to agricultural communities through the Canadian Mental Health Association’s branches in rural areas. To learn more about the expansion of the program, read the release.
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DFC Trailer Coordinator Job Posting |
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Durham Farm Connections is looking to hire a part-time trailer coordinator to manage, communicate and confirm bookings for the All About Farming educational trailer. In addition to managing the trailer bookings, the coordinator is responsible for arranging staff to assist at events, re-stocking the trailer with brochures and materials, arranging trailer transportation and liaising with the Durham Farm Connections Steering Committee. View the job posting here.
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THEE Farmers Parade of Lights Returns for 2021 |
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The Tyrone, Haydon, Enniskillen and Enfield (THEE) Farmers’ Parade of Lights returns in 2021 with a new spin! The format this year is self-driving. Displays will be set up on farms throughout the Tyrone, Haydon, Enniskillen and Enfield area from December 1 to 5, with displays lit up between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. each night for viewing. A map and more information on the route are available on the THEE Farmers Parade of Lights Facebook page.
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Calling all business owners in the Township of Brock! Have your voice heard by completing the Brock Business Survey.
This survey is a key step in the process of building effective partnerships between the Brock business community and local/regional government. The feedback received through this survey will be used by the Township of Brock, the Region of Durham, the Brock Board of Trade, the Brock Economic Development Advisory Committee (BEDAC) and the Brock Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC), to effectively respond to the priority needs of the business community.
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Durham Region Realtor and Developer Event |
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Durham Region’s Realtor and Developer event held on October 28 highlighted why Durham offers the very best investment opportunity in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Review the Realtor and Developer Event Toolkit to watch a recording of the event and browse through all of the great presentations and videos delivered by local and regional economic development staff.
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Regional Chair's Video Messages to Support Durham's Agricultural Operators |
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Durham Region’s Chair, John Henry, created two video messages to support our regional agricultural operators and food producers.
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Ontario Agriculture Week 2021: Recognizes farmers and all those involved with food production in Durham Region to celebrate Ontario Agriculture Week and the food produced in Durham Region.
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Share the road with farm vehicles: Is addressed to the public to raise awareness around road safety and sharing the road with farm vehicles in Durham Region.
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Durham Local Food Directory |
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Shop local and farm fresh this holiday season. Durham Region is home to many farms that have food available year round. Check out our local food directory and find a Durham Farm Fresh farm near you to support a local business this holiday season.
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Local municipalities in Durham Region are implementing the Farm 911 program across the region. This project provides 911 number signage to vacant farm and rural properties and secondary farm entrances. The goal of increased signage is improved response times by emergency responders since they will have an address to go to in the event of a farm accident.
Please contact your township office for more information on how to obtain address signs.
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A message from Sequestr:
"Hey Durham Region Farms,
Sequestr is building a platform to provide farms with funding to develop agroforestry projects. Our goal is to plant trees and help farms diversify crops, improve soil health, and earn recurring revenue through agroforestry. Projects can include nut tree farming, fruit orchards, silvopasture, or alley cropping. If you are interested in developing agroforestry or want more information, please contact Tony Qu (co-founder) at tony@sequestr.ag or visit us at sequestr.ag.
Thank you, Tony Qu”
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Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) Recent Funding and Announcements |
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Numerous cost-share funding intakes targeted towards producers and agri-businesses are currently open and accepting applications. Open project categories include:
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Updates to the Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program |
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The Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program is being updated to include increased funding and expanded eligibility requirements. The deadline has been extended to February 1, 2022.
The program aims to help agri-food businesses guard against the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace and includes categories for both prevention and outbreak management. To learn more, read the program updates.
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Funding Available through the Jobs and Growth Fund |
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The Jobs and Growth Fund, delivered by FedDev Ontario, is offering funding for businesses and organizations to create jobs, build resiliency, and prepare for growth by transitioning to a green economy.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous intake basis until the funding is fully allocated.
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‘Brick-and-mortar’ businesses in Ontario with 1 – 50 employees are highly encouraged to apply for their $2,500 Digital Main Street grant before the November 30 deadline.
Digital Main Street’s Digital Transformation Program offers qualifying businesses a non-repayable $2,500 grant to put towards the expansion of their business’ digital presence. This can include digital advertising, social media, software and more!
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'How to Tell Your Food Story' Workshop |
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Durham Tourism would like to invite you to join us alongside our partners at the Culinary Tourism Alliance, for a webinar on ‘How to Tell Your Food Story.’
The Culinary Tourism Alliance works with communities to grow food tourism by leveraging the history, heritage, and culture behind the food and drink that makes each destination unique.
As part of the webinar, participants will have the opportunity to explore how understanding and telling your unique 'food story' can help attract customers to your business and the region. You will learn to identify different types of culinary tourists; identify opportunities to generate increased visitor demand; and look at some good practices and grassroots marketing tactics for attracting foodies to Durham Region.
When: December 1, 2021 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Register Now! Please register by November 26 to reserve your space!
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Teeny Tiny Summit - Rural Resurgence Webinar |
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December 1 at 10 a.m.: If there is a bright spot to be found in the COVID-19 story, it is that a foundation has been laid for a rural renaissance. As a result of shifting societal norms, there might be an opportunity to fundamentally pivot the future of rural communities that have been plagued by outmigration and exclusion from significant economic development activity for decades. The speakers are Peter Kenyon, Amy Matchen (My MainStreet) and Marcus Mohr from Manitoulin plus Teeny Tiny Summit Snapshots. Register online.
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This webinar is intended for Ontario food and beverage manufacturers who are 'Export Ready' and are currently exporting or have export capacity.
When: December 1 at 10 a.m.
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Online Financial Fluency Program |
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Beef Farmers of Ontario is partnering with Farm Management Canada to deliver a workshop series focusing on the importance of farm financial reporting, different types of financial reporting, analyzing risk, spotting potential business opportunities and risks and more.
Workshops are being hosted on December 7, 14 and 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. There is limited capacity so register early to secure your spot. For more information and to register, visit the event page.
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For more frequent updates on Durham Region success stories, resources, local news, fun facts and more, follow @DurhamAgRural on Twitter. #DurhamAg #NorthDurham
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Contact Us
Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857
As a contact of the Region of Durham's Planning and Economic Development Department, you have been added to our mailing list. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please use the unsubscribe link located at the bottom of this e-newsletter.
If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact the Planning and Economic Development Department at 905-668-7711 ext. 2609 (toll-free at 1-800-706-9857).
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