North & Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference March 2021
Posted: February 12, 2021
Categories: Events / GoodFoodBites
The Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance, the County of Renfrew, and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, are hosting a North & Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference throughout March 2021.
The 4-part webinar series will take place on Wednesdays throughout March, and will explore the hard-won lessons learned from a global pandemic that can help strengthen local food businesses and organizations.
Session 1 – March 10, 2021, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Local Food More than Ever: Harvesting the Lessons of COVID-19
Presenters:
- Dr. Evan Fraser, Arrell Food Institute, University of Guelph
- Moe Garahan, Just Food Ottawa, Food Communities Network
- Peggy Brekveld, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
- Dr. Joseph LeBlanc, Associate Dean, Equity & Inclusion, Norther Ontario School of Medicine; Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security.
- Additional speakers to be added once confirmed
Session 2 – March 17, 2021, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Navigating Agri-Tourism During a Pandemic
Presenters:
- Melissa Marquardt, Ottawa Valley Tourist Association
- Duarte Da Silva, Prince Edward County Wine Growers Association
- Leanne Spry, Spry Farm
- Mitch Deschatels, Leisure Farm
- Additional speakers to be added once confirmed
March 17, 12 – 1 p.m.
Chef-led Lunch – Taste of the North
Session 3 – March 24, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Surviving and Thriving: The Resilience of Local Food
Presenters:
- Danielle Collins, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
- Kevin and Jodi Belluz, Superior Seasons, Thunder Bay
- Lisa LeBlanc, MrsGrocery.com
- Chris Penton, Beechwood Farmers’ Market, Ottawa
- Additional speakers to be added once confirmed
Session 4 – March 31, 2021, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Innovations in the Local Food Frontier: Aquaculture, Aquaponics, Greenhouse Production and Vertical Farming
Presenters:
- Dr. Fadi Al-Daoud, Greenhouse Vegetable Specialist, OMAFRA
- Michael McGuire, Aquaculture and Aquaponics Specialist, OMAFRA
March 31, 12-1 p.m.
Chef-led Lunch – Taste of Renfrew County
Learn more about each session and register to attend online here.