RAIN Agri-Food Forum

Join the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) for an evening of insightful discussions on the latest advancements in agricultural technology and sustainable farming practices. When: February 28th, at 7:00 pm (doors open 6:45 pm)Where: Join us in-person or OnlineIn-Person – Johnson Township Community Centre (Desbarats Arena) 1 Cameron Ave., Desbarats ON.Online – Join by Zoom (Register here for the Zoom link …

In the news: Local agri-food producers to benefit from $450k in federal funding

The FedNor funding will offer support for agri-food producers and entrepreneurs and help make full use of the commercial kitchen space at Harvest Algoma By Kenneth Armstrong, SooToday October 12, 2023 Federal funding was announced Thursday to help activate the commercial kitchen space at the Harvest Algoma Food Resource Centre on Second Line, just one week after it was taken …

Wholesale Connections Webinar – Essential Takeaways for Northern Producers 

On Thursday, April 6, we partnered with the Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy to host a webinar discussing strategies for building wholesale relationships with retailers and institutions from the perspective of Northern Ontario farmers.  Our three presenters, each operating different farm businesses, shared insights about their experiences in wholesale markets. They all began through direct marketing to customers and …

EFAO is looking for Farmer-Researchers in Northern Ontario!

What are you curious about on your farm? Do you have an idea for a research or breeding trial and need help designing an experiment? The Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario can help you answer your on-farm questions with financial and technical support. Farmer-led research uses the scientific method in a way that is compatible with your farming and your …

Farm to Table: A Trendy Fad or Here to Stay?

RAIN, the Rural Agri-Innovation Network, a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, is now ready to present its North-Central Food & Agriculture Market Study at three Farm to Table Forums in Algoma, Manitoulin and Sudbury. In 2018, local partners and RAIN contracted Harry Cummings & Associates Inc. to get a snapshot of local food purchases from the perspectives …

Taste Northern Ontario Case Study

A Case Study of Taste Northern Ontario, a delegation of eight businesses that attended the Restaurants Canada Show 2018 In 2017-18, the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), a division of SSM Innovation Centre, and Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA) formed a partnership to organize a delegation of northern Ontario businesses to attend the Restaurants Canada Trade Show 2018. The purpose …

Come plant trees to restore the Bar River

Volunteers wanted to help plant trees for river bank restoration The Rural-Agri Innovation Network (RAIN) is looking for twenty volunteers to help a Laird Township producer plant trees in efforts to restore a shoreline along Bar River. The “Riparian Awareness and Action with Algoma Producers and Communities” is funded by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. This project …

Selling Beyond the Farm Gate Workshop

Date: February 6th 9-4 p.m. (with lunch & coffee break provided) Location: Johnson Twp. Community Centre (Desbarats Arena) Cost: $20+fee online. $20 at the door (register by Feb 2nd) Facilitators: Sally Miller and Peggy Baillie, Local Food & Farm Co-ops Please join us for this farm business workshop from the Agri-Food Management Institute and the Local Food and Farm Co-ops, …

Twilight Pasture Tour 2017

Wednesday August 2, 2017 6:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Algoma Community Pasture Hwy 129, Fire # 142 – Approx 3km North of Thessalon Speakers and topics: Barry Potter (OMAFRA Agriculture Development Advisor) Potential Grass Mixtures Emily Potter (Beef Farmers of Ontario) Beef North Projects Megan Van Schaik (OMAFRA Beef Specialist) Managing Beef on Pasture Christine O’Reilly (OMAFRA Forage & Grazing …