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As COVID-19 continues to impact all sectors of the local and regional economy, a new funding program has been introduced to respond to meet the challenges of expanding the agri-economy in northern Ontario. The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC), is pleased to announce the new Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity (SNAPP) Program COVID-19 Recovery Fund. …
Project summary In Northeastern Ontario, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in heightened consumer demand for locally grown and produced foods. Meeting this demand is proving difficult as agri-businesses face numerous pandemic-induced challenges including labour shortages and limited retail marketplaces. Despite these challenges, many agri-businesses are finding innovative ways to facilitate consumer access to their products, including leveraging social media, enhancing …
Algoma Agriculture Sector Labour & Skills Development Survey Harvest Algoma, a division of United Way Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma, is conducting the Algoma Agriculture Sector Development Project. Funded by the Ministry of Labour, Train and Skills Development in partnership with RAIN, AWIC, CDC of Sault Ste Marie and East Algoma Community Futures Development Corporation. The project is focused …
In late November 2019, St. Joseph Island resident Sheila Campbell received a link to an article reporting on a study that had been done by a graduate student at the University of Guelph. The article revealed a study of “feral” apple trees for possible use in the cider industry. The very next day, fellow St. Joseph Island resident Maria Smith …
SSMIC/RAIN- Still available when you need us Quebec Maple Tour- Postponed RAIN has decided to postpone the May 2020 Quebec Maple Tour until further notice due to the Coronavirus disease. All SSM Innovation Centre events are being cancelled or deferred until further notice in accordance with requirements with public and safety requirements. We will continue to assess the situation and …
The first of four Bring Food Home 2019 Regional Conferences took place on October 10th in both Ottawa and Algoma via video conference, with Just Food and Algoma regional partners including Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), Algoma Public Health, Johnson Farmers’ Market and Harvest Algoma United Way of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District, co-hosting a province-wide panel and discussion on …
Northern Ontario has a similar climate to western Canada and is a promising location for malting barley production. However, the grain needs appropriate management practices to meet the strict quality requirements for brewing. Since growing conditions vary across northern Ontario, research on varieties and nutrient management techniques are essential to allow farmers to anticipate yields and returns for their farms. …
Pilot Projects – Call for Proposals Tell the Northern Food Distribution Network about your food distribution solution! Through the community consultation process for the NFDN (Northern Food Distribution Network) Action Plan, it was identified that the network could support communities and organizations to address their food distribution challenges with solutions created by those experiencing these challenges. The goal of the …
In spring of 2018, five legumes were planted at the Algoma Community Pasture to show alternative legumes that could be potentially utilized in Northern Ontario climate. Alfalfa is commonly grown as a forage crop in Ontario, but due to its sensitivity to wet and cold conditions, it may not be the most suited to a Northern Ontario climate. By evaluating …
In 2018, the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) led a delegation of northern Ontario businesses to the Restaurants Canada Show 2018. The Show was a success for these 8 businesses where over 423 contacts were made that resulted in an increase of $656,000 in new sales to their businesses (see Taste Northern Ontario Case Study). The Restaurants Canada Show has grown …
