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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
