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 …
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 …
Galega (Galega orientalis) is a relatively new, perennial forage with origins between Europe and Asia and is currently imported into Canada from Scandinavia. The legume has the potential to rival the alfalfa currently being grown in Ontario, as a forage crop in both yield and protein content. Though its ability to compete with weeds increases with the development of its …
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 …
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 …
A dialogue to build trust and grow sustainable farm & food businesses in Algoma The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), Johnson Farmers’ Market, United Way of SSM & Area and Algoma Public Health are inviting Algoma’s Agriculture and Food community to the Algoma Water Tower Inn on Thursday October 10th 2019 for the Bring Food Home Forum. Farming and consumers’ preferences …
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 …
