SEEDS–A play about Schmeiser vs. Monsanto Feb. 18th – Mar 10th

January 19, 2012

 

SEEDS
Produced by Crow’s Theatre (Toronto) 

February 18 to March 10, 2012Young Centre for the Performing Arts (Distillery District), Toronto, ONTickets $10-$35

Sustain Ontario members can use Promo Code “Organic” to get 25% all regular priced tickets!

Call 416-866-8666 or visit www.crowstheatre.com to order tickets

Think you know what’s on your plate?  Think again.

Centering on the four-year legal showdown between biotech giant Monsanto Inc. and Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser, SEEDS leads us through a high-voltage labyrinth of political maneuvering, patent wars, cash-fuelled science and the global domination of the planet’s seed supply.  A bold new documentary play by award-winning playwright Annabel Soutar and director Chris Abraham.



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ONFC highlights Co-ops at Organic Conference

January 19, 2012

“Building Local Organic Value Chains Using Co-operative Structural Models”

12:00 – 4:30pm, January 26th, 2012 at the Guelph Organic Conference, Room UC103

In light of the U.N.’s recognition of 2012 as the International Year of the Co-operative, this session explores the valuable role of co-operatives as a successful business model for creating resilient local and organic supply chains, drawing upon the expertise of a diversity of food and farming co-operators working at many different scales across Ontario.  Highlights of the afternoon including a collaborative discussion of several models of small and midscale values-based supply chains, information sharing from the province’s nascent food co-operative network, and a panel composed of five unique co-ops working at all levels of the food chain. ***

Cost: $55 (students $20) + HST

For additional information about this session, please contact Hannah Renglich at hrenglich@onfc.ca.

Read more for speakers and schedule.

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A Conservation Authority Leading the Way – and With Land to Lease!

January 13, 2012

The Toronto Region Conservation Authority has been showing how conservation authorities can make use of their land, programming, resources, and even offices to help create a more sustainable food system.  They have supported several innovative programs by providing them with land, have adopted leading-edge policies, and have even begun to green their own operations.

If you’d like to be a part of what TRCA is doing, now is the time! The TRCA is soliciting proposals from individuals and community organizations that are interested in establishing a sustainable urban agriculture operation at Black Creek Pioneer Village (BCPV), 4929 Jane Street, City of Toronto, Ontario M3N 2K8.  Eight acres of TRCA-owned land, farm house and barn are available for lease.

A briefing meeting and site tour of the farm property and buildings will be held to familiarize proponents with available background information on Saturday January 21st, 10:00 a.m. at 4929 Jane Street. Please confirm your attendance by calling Sonia Dhir at 416-661-6600, ext. 5291.

Proposals should be delivered by Friday, January 27th, 2012, by no later than 4:00 p.m. Faxed or emailed proposals are not acceptable.  

Please review full details of this Request for Proposals in this document.

All inquiries relating to this Request for Proposals must be directed to Gary Wilkins at 416-661-6600, ext. 5211 or gwilkins@trca.on.ca or Sonia Dhir at 416-661-6600, ext. 5291 or sdhir@trca.on.ca.

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Sustain Ontario Announces Support for Regional Meetings

January 13, 2012

Sustain Ontario has some funding and capacity to support regional meetings in Ontario over the next two years.  The purpose of these meetings can be to bring together groups that do not normally work together, build regional capacity, undergo a strategic planning process, identify important policy and research steps, and/or other goals that the event leaders identify.  Organizations can apply for funding and event support by filling in an application by January 30th, 2012.  See Regional Events page for details.

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Growing well into 2012: for now, enjoy some Good Food Ideas Video Clips!

January 3, 2012

London Training Centre's Local Food Skills Program

This year marked the launch of a smart collaborative venture between Sustain Ontario, Powerline Films and a number of municipal and non-profit sector partners called the Growing Good Food Ideas Video Project.  With a generous contribution of funds from OMAFRA’S OMIF Fund, these groups were able to work together to tell the varied and fascinating stories of just a few of the fascinating sustainable food projects that are being run successfully right here in Ontario! The idea is that sharing these stories can help promote existing programs and inspire other organizations to start their own good food projects.

We’ve been showing you clips over the summer and fall leading up to the official launch at last October’s province-wide sustainable food conference that took place at Trent University, Bring Food Home: Preparing The Ground for a Sustainable Food System.  The video launch provided an opportunity to link those already taking part in the project and those who wanted to learn more with a chance to watch a selection of the newly completed films together, allowing for “Q & A”, the sharing of behind-the-scenes stories, and as viewers, experiencing the impact of the films together in one energized room.

Here are the preview clips — just follow the links.  You’ll see background notes about some of the films just below the mini screens.

Stay tuned for news about an exciting new online space devoted to the Growing Good Food Ideas Video Project!

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2011 Greenbelt Holiday Gift Guide

December 19, 2011

From Adventure and Fashion to Feel Good Food: The 2011 Guide to Gifts from the Greenbelt

Tie a ribbon around a gift from the Greenbelt this holiday season. Ontario’s Greenbelt, spanning from Niagara to Northumberland region and north along the Niagara Escarpment, produces a bounty of unique gifts and adventures.

<--break->The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation has assembled a list of our favourite holiday gifts that represent and support the Greenbelt’s agricultural and environmental integrity. Accompanying photos are available for download below.

Pay What You Can: Gifts That Keep On Giving

Donations never grow old. Below are a few Greenbelt organizations that are working to preserve its natural beauty and create a sustainable future for all.

Bruce Trail Conservancy

Help preserve Canada’s oldest marked footpath and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Visit https://brucetrail.org/donations/donate or call (905) 529-6821.

Environment Hamilton

An organization working to help grow and develop the knowledge and skills needed to protect and enhance the environment surrounding Hamilton. Donations can be made by contacting (905) 549-0900.

FoodShare

Play a role in Ontario’s Greenbelt by making sure there is fresh healthy food for everyone. By placing a donation to FoodShare in the name of a friend or family member, you are ensuring many FoodShare projects are able to continue contributing to many communities. Most FoodShare programs are completely community service, such as teaching how to make homemade baby food, supporting community gardens and kitchens and operating the FoodLink Hotline. www.foodshare.net

Under $20

Dutchman’s Gold Greenbelt Wildflower Honey

Give something sweet with this full-bodied bouquet of Golden Rod, Aster and late summer wildflowers, all grown in the Greenbelt. Buy online, at your local Longos, Sobeys or health food store for $10.79 for a 1kg jar, or take a trip to their 30 year-old apiaries in Carlisle, near the city of Burlington. www.dutchmansgold.com

Stasis Preserves: Greenbelt-grown Black Walnuts in Honey

The rich, earthy flavour of black walnuts combined with the bright lavender taste of raw wildflower honey makes a perfect pairing for game meats, in salad dressings or even on ice cream. These Greenbelt-grown delectables are made in small batches by Stasis Preserves and sell for $10 for a 250ml jar. Find them Saturdays at the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto or in select stores. www.stasispreserves.com

Greaves Jam

Send the gift of Niagara tender fruit and berries with Greaves Jam. A family-run company since 1927, Greaves Jam can now be ordered online. Visit www.greavesjam.com or call 1-800-515-9939 for pricing and order information.

Under $50

Upper Canada Cheese Company

Did you know that Comfort Cream, Niagara Gold and Guersney Girl are all local cheeses? And they are right at your fingertips from Niagara creamery, Upper Canada Cheese. Find out where to purchase a selection of local cheeses to share at your holiday party by visiting www.uppercanadacheesecompany.com or calling (905) 562-9730.

Winery to Home

In keeping with the Niagara theme, pair your local cheeses with a VQA wine from Ontario. Now in its sixth year, Winery to Home offers gift certificates that feature their winery of the month gift pack and winery packs. Each pack contains its own wine profile sheet that includes tasting notes, reviews and food pairing suggestions. Visit www.winerytohome.com to make your purchase online.

Roisin Fagan’s Greenbelt Century Farm Tea Towels

Inspired by her family’s Greenbelt farm, Roisin created these gorgeous hand-drawn and hand-printed tea towels. Made from an organic cotton/hemp blend, they are the perfect gift for people who know their way around the kitchen. Pick up at the White Elephant in Hamilton, Distill Gallery in Toronto or online from Fagan’s Etsy shop for $34.00 a set. www.roisin.ca

Under $100

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

A membership provides complimentary and discounted access to hiking, camping, picnicking, festivals, conservation workshops and cultural heritage sites. An individual membership is $70 for the year. The membership, and other great gift ideas, can be purchased online or by calling (905) 788-3135.

Kortright Centre for Conservation

Located just north of Toronto, in Woodbridge, this conservation centre features year round family fun from the Maple Syrup Festival to winter hikes.  The Centre offers individual and family memberships, ranging from $56 to $96. For more information call (905) 832-2289 or email info@kortright.org.

Greenbelt Picnic and Winery Bike Tour with Zoom Leisure

Award winning wines, romantic vineyards, lush landscapes and great food: this bike trip will bring you the best of the Greenbelt, all the while learning about the captivating history of Niagara-on-the-Lake. This great day in the Greenbelt is $90 for an experience to remember. www.zoomleisure.com

Under $200

Intimate Cooking Demo in the Greenbelt’s Wine Country

In the true spirit of farm-to-table, the Good Earth Food and Wine Co. uses the freshest local produce from in and around the Greenbelt. Learn from some of Ontario’s best chefs, enjoy the convivial atmosphere and come away with a complimentary bottle of wine. $135.00 for the entire taste bud approved experience. www.goodearthfoodandwine.com

Ice climbing in the Greenbelt

You don’t have to go to Nepal for great ice climbing. Right here in the Greenbelt are some of the best icefalls in Ontario. Take a trip with One Axe Pursuits to Tiffany’s Falls in Dundas and hack your way to the top – a great adventure for only $160. www.oneaxepursuits.com

Ontario Leathers from Hide In Hand

Stay toasty and stylish from hand to toe this winter with leather goods from Ontario. Although the store is not located in Ontario’s Greenbelt specifically, these leathers are procured from hunters and designers from across the Greenbelt and Ontario. Visit www.hidesinhand.com for more fabulous products.

Hamilton Conservation Authority

The Hamilton Conservation Authority Membership provides access to all 21 conservation areas. There are two passes available: a regular pass is $107.35 or you can go above and beyond with the Foundation Pass, which includes a regular pass plus a $100 donation for $170. Both passes can be purchased online or by phone (905) 648-4427

$250 And Up

Coopers CSA 6-Month Greenbelt Organic Vegetable Share

A share in Cooper’s CSA organic farm brings you six month’s worth of some of the tastiest Greenbelt produce around for $235. Customize your basket to include fresh eggs, meat, and poultry. www.coopersfarm.ca

Bare Oaks: Try something new in the nude

Located in York Region at the edge of the Oak Ridges Moraine, Bare Oaks offers the opportunity to truly connect with nature.  For those who like the au natural look give the gift of a weekend in the buff or a dining experience like no other at the Bare Bistro. Rates range from $350 for weeks of all-amenities camping to $2420 for a full year camping pass. Visit www.bareoaks.ca or call 1-888-373-9124 to book your nude experience.

Visit the 2011 Greenbelt Holiday Gift Guide.

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