Last Monday, a few of the Hastings County sheep producers were invited to Leona Dombrosky's office in Belleville for a meeting. She informed them of some changes in agricultural policy that might be beneficial to sheep farmers, and in return we were allowed to ask a few questions.
One of the main concerns was large losses of livestock due to predators (coyotes, wolves) in the last few years. This was especially bad in Prince Edward County. It was suggested that a $200 grant be made available to farmers towards the purchase of guardian animals such as certain breeds of dogs, donkeys and llamas.
Questions were also raised about the effects of the combined GST/PST tax on farmers incomes.
McGuinty Government Rewards 14 Recipients For Their Innovations
NEWS June 5, 2009
Innovative ideas grown by Ontario farmers were celebrated today at a ceremony in Tweed honouring local winners of the province’s regional awards for innovation excellence. These fresh ideas are contributing to the local economy, boosting the agri-food industry and giving consumers more choice.
The Premier’s Agri-Food Innovation Excellence awards are part of a $2.5-million, five-year program (now in its third year) established to recognize innovators who contribute to the success of Ontario’s agri-food sector.
Local events across the province are recognizing 55 regional award winners, who are receiving $5,000 each for their innovations. Area winners presented with their awards today are:
Durham Farm Fresh Marketing Association (Hampton, Durham Region)
CIPM Inc. (Madoc, Hastings County)
Ontario Water Buffalo Company (Stirling, Hastings County)
Quinte Organic Farmers Cooperative Inc. (Hastings and Northumberland Counties)
Kawartha Ecological Growers (Woodville, Kawartha Lakes County)
Windblest Farm (Lanark, Lanark County)
Wendy’s Mobile Market (Lyndhurst, Leeds & Grenville County)
Paul Goddard (Brighton, Northumberland County)
Ontario Lamb Improvement Breeding Strategy Replicating Breeder’s Association (Norwood, Peterborough County)
County Roots - Food Focus Program, Prince Edward Collegiate Institute (Picton, Prince Edward County)
The County Cider Company (Picton, Prince Edward County)
Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Company (Picton, Prince Edward County)
Vicki’s Veggies (Milford, Prince Edward County)
Ottawa Valley Food Co-operative (Cobden, Renfrew County)
Winners of the $100,000 Premier’s Award and the $50,000 Minister’s Award were presented in April at the Premier’s Summit on Agri-Food.
QUOTES
“Ontario’s agri-food sector continues to lead through innovation. With these awards, we are recognizing and rewarding the creative ideas growing on farms and rural communities across this province. Together, we are building opportunities that will make our agri-food industry and economy stronger.”
- Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
QUICK FACTS
In its first three years, the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence has attracted more than 550 applications highlighting on-farm innovations.
Ontario’s agri-food sector is one of the province’s leading industries, contributing more than $33 billion to the economy every year.
