Updates from RAIN’s #plant17

by Christine O’Reilly, Research Technician It’s spring in Algoma, and that means that RAIN’s field staff are trying to get new projects into the ground. We have three research projects and a crop demonstration to plant on ten different sites across the district. We’ve got a good start on two of these. Our Cross-seeding Forages Project is evaluating different ways …

Algoma Forum for Food, Farms & Tourism

You are invited to attend the Sault Ste. Marie / Algoma Forum for Food, Farms & Tourism. March 9th, 2017 – 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Quattro Hotel, Sault Ste. Marie Algoma has many opportunities for promoting authentic attractions and cuisines. No matter what the season, there are many different experiences for visitors: Gilbertson’s Maple Products Pancake House, located …

Researchers with antique sleigh

RAIN on the Road: Trip to Thunder Bay

RAIN was invited to Thunder Bay to the Thunder Bay Agriculture Research Association’s AGM by Dr. Tarlok Singh Sahota and Andrew Brekveld to talk about the new micro-grant program SNAPP, as well as the Cross-seeding Forages Project that RAIN and TBARS are collaborating on. December 4th – Upon arrival in Thunder Bay, Dr. Sahota gave a guided tour of the …

Transition Smart: Producer to Processor Workshop (Feb 24 & 25)

Bruce Mines Community Hall, Bruce Mines, ON Friday Feb 24 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. / Saturday Feb 25 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. February 24th and 25th in partnership with the Agri-food Management Institute, the Rural Agri-Innovation Network/SSM Innovation Centre will host the Transition Smart: Producer to Processor workshop as part of the Next Generation North Program. An introduction …

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RAIN Joint Advisory Committee/Research Steering Committee Meeting Minutes

24 November 2016 09:00 – 12:00 Laird Township Hall In attendance: David Thompson (RAIN Project Coordinator), Christine O’Reilly (RAIN Research Technician), Melissa Watson (RAIN Infrastructure Coordinator), Mikala Parr (RAIN Research Assistant), Jessica Laidley (RAIN CAFFE Project Coordinator), Edith Orr (Johnson Farmer’s Market/Market Gardener, Research Steering Committee), Gayle Broad (NORDIK Institute/RAIN Co-Chair), Arik Theijsmeijer (FedNor), Shawn Heard (East Algoma CDFC), Dave …

Announcing Next Generation North

RAIN Launches New Program for Increased Success of Farm and Food Businesses Starting this Fall, the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) has initiated a one-year program for farm and food businesses that are undergoing succession from one generation to the next or are starting a new farm or food venture. This program aims to increase the financial and planning abilities of …

Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity (SNAPP) Program Is Announced!

In partnership with FedNor, Northeast Community Network, Eat Local Sudbury and Cloverbelt Local Food Co-operative, the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) will be coordinating a multi-year funding program for farm and food businesses in northern Ontario. The Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity Program (SNAPP) will provide a grant up to $5,000 at 75% cost share to purchase equipment for eligible …

RAIN and OMAFRA to host remote location for Forage Focus 2016

**NOTE: LOCATION HAS CHANGED!** We will be hosting a remote location to the Ontario Forage Council’s Forage Focus 2016 held in Shakespeare, ON. This year’s theme is “Recognizing the value of forages for profit and the environment”. Keynote speaker is Eric Young, Agronomist/Soil Scientist from The William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute. Topics include “Best Forage Practices for the Crop, …

We are hiring!

The Central Algoma Food for Everyone (CAFFE) project is being led by the SSM Innovation Centre (SSMIC) / Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) in partnership with North Channel Poverty Awareness Network (NCPAN) to collaborate with North Channel communities and organizations. The project aims to strengthen food security through a food processing and education pilot project that engages community members, farms and …

Rural-Agri Innovation Network and CleanFARMS team up to collect obsolete pesticide and livestock medication from Algoma farmers

Sites open next week in Echo Bay and Thessalon promote safe disposal and environmental stewardship Sault Ste. Marie (September 21, 2016): The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) is organizing the collection of obsolete pesticide and livestock medication from Algoma farmers, which will be transported to the CleanFARMS collection site in Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island. CleanFARMS is an industry-led non-profit organization that …