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 …

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 …

Identifying Challenges and Opportunities for local food in the Post-Pandemic era

Restrictions, lockdowns, delays, shortages – these words have largely characterized peoples’ lives on a global scale since COVID-19 became widespread and the pandemic took hold.  We’ve become very familiar with the ways our own daily lives have been changed due to coronavirus, but the impacts certainly haven’t stopped there.  Our food systems have also been dealing with these effects both …

Riparian Restoration of the Thessalon River

A riparian zone is an area next to rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands.  It is usually made up of water plants and saturated soils, along with ecosystems associated with these areas. Riparian zones serve the very important role of preventing soil erosion, which improves water quality, benefits fish health, and maintains a sustainable shoreline. Without an established Riparian zone consisting …

Northern producers exhibiting at food show

Six Northern Ontario agri-food producers will be representing the North during the Restaurant Canada Show 2020 in Toronto this March. Led by Sault Ste. Marie’s Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), the delegation will include Boreal Berry Farm & Winery of Warren, Fromagerie Kapuskoise of Kapuskasing, Mountain Maple Products of St. Joseph Island, Penokean Hills Farms of the Algoma District, Purvis Fisheries of Manitoulin Island, and Quinta Quinoa, which is headquartered in southern …

Soil Sampling Services

Why soil sample?When a producer is aware of the needs of their soils, there is greater potential for increased yields and profits. Soil sampling can reduce operating costs, improve crop maturity and quality, high tolerance to disease and pests damage, and more. When to soil sample?Soil tests are generally required every 3 – 5 years. Sampling your fields at the …

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 …

Fair Finance Fund 2019: Update and First Impacts

The Fair Finance Fund continues to accept loan applications on a revolving basis as long as funds are available; let them know right away if you are thinking of applying. The investment campaign is also ongoing to May 2020, with interest rates from 2-4% until then. The Fair Finance Fund was launched as a pilot in November 2018, and as …

Buy Algoma Buy Local

The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), an initiative of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, has developed a buy local branding initiative: Buy Algoma Buy Local. Buy Algoma Buy Local connects people with local food, drinks, products and experiences to build stronger communities. We do this by bringing together our local producers, processors, farmers’ markets, restaurants and retailers to support buying …