June 2024 — Food & Farming across the Golden Horseshoe

Food and Farming across the Golden Horseshoe

Bayview Flowers in Jordan Station has grown to become one of the largest growers and distributors of ornamental flowers and potted plants in North America, servicing many of the major wholesale and retail businesses.

The team is known for their innovative and environmentally sustainable methods, particularly their anaerobic digestion system, which uses fermentation to convert organic waste matter into biogas. The biogas is then used as a renewable, carbon-neutral fuel source to generate useful heat and electricity for greenhouses at its facility.

Read more about their state-of-the-art facilities on the Vineland Research website!

Celebrating Local Food

During Local Food Week earlier this month, the province released a new Local Food Report. In the Minister's message, Lisa Thompson shared that they are using Local Food Week and the report to recognize and thank the people behind the foods we eat every day.

The message goes on to explain that Ontario’s agriculture and food industry employs more than 836,000 people across the province — representing one in 10 jobs. This includes Ontario farmers, who grow more than 200 commodities on over 48,000 farms; over 54,000 food retailers and food service businesses; and more than 4,900 food and beverage businesses who manufacture and process 42% of Canada’s food and beverages.

We hope you celebrated Local Food Week, and continue to celebrate our local food and farmers throughout the year!

A New Food & Beverage Report

Farm Credit Canada says 2023 was a lean year for Canadian food and beverage manufacturers, but the overall outlook for 2024 is more positive.

Check out their latest Food and Beverage Report, which examines challenges and opportunities by industry.

Durham Region Study

Durham Region is undertaking a study to update policies for agriculture-related and on-farm diversified activities, and the application and approval processes for these activities, within the Townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge.

The Region, in partnership with the three Townships, is undertaking this study to understand the types of agriculture-related uses and on-farm diversified uses that are relevant to Durham’s agricultural-sector and how they may contribute to the rural economy, as well as where and how these land uses are permitted.

Learn more here.

Free Urban Farmer Training

Seneca Polytechnic is offering a Toronto Urban Farmer Training program that is currently free of charge. The program is designed to support people growing plants or raising animals in the city as they create viable, sustainable enterprises.

The 10-week program focuses on production, marketing and business models, and is open to everyone interested running an urban agriculture enterprise. Learn more here.

Excellence in Agriculture Awards

The Ontario government has opened up nominations for the 2024 Excellence in Agriculture Awards.

These awards celebrate farmers, processors, industry organizations, people and businesses who demonstrate excellence in their field and are paving the way towards a more sustainable and profitable industry.

If you know someone who is a leader in Ontario's agriculture and food industry, nominate them by July 22nd!

The Fair Finance Fund

Over the past five years, the Fair Finance Fund has disbursed over $4 million in loans to 52 clients across Ontario, with a focus on enterprises that create social, environmental, and economic benefits.

We encourage you to learn more in their latest Impact Report!

Some more food news to chew on...

Cleanfarms has shared its 2023 annual report, highlighting the strategic emphasis to manage more agricultural plastic products and packaging through recycling and safe disposal.

Is it the beginning of the end for self-checkout machines? Check out this article from the Canadian Grocer.

Empire Co. Ltd. has surpassed its 2023 goal to divert 31 million pounds of surplus food from its operations to local charities across Canada.

Congratulations to the 16 winners of the annual RCC Excellence in Retailing Awards.

Kraft Heinz Canada and Highbury Canco are extending their production deal in Leamington for another four years.

FedDev Ontario has announced an investment of over $1.7 million in Brampton-based Italpasta Limited to boost local food manufacturers.

A new study shows that Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers have been widely adopting a range of practices that support sustainable local food production.

Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance

www.FoodandFarming.ca