In spring of 2018, five legumes were planted at the Algoma Community Pasture to show alternative legumes that could potentially be utilized in a 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 …
The Canadian Wildlife Service (part of Environment and Climate Change Canada) and the University of Waterloo will be conducting year 2 of its study on Sandhill Cranes and how their movements relate to agricultural land uses. Information from this study is vital to understanding the nature of conflicts between Sandhill Cranes and agricultural producers and how those conflicts can be …
Understanding the impact and mitigation strategies of the COVID-19 outbreak on the agricultural sector in Northern Ontario In Northern Ontario, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a disruption of food demand, labour and supply chains. Agri-businesses face numerous pandemic-induced challenges including labour shortages and limited marketplaces. A collaboration of organizations including the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), University of Guelph, Northern …
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 …
Through Partnership with LUARS (Lakehead University Agriculture Research Station), RAIN has developed a research project in order to find the optimum seeding time of galega in its establishment year, in terms of weed control and yield. Taking place in Algoma and Thunder Bay, the project is currently in its second year, with one more year in 2020. The galega …
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 …
