Farmers Growing Farmers – Events and programs of interest
Posted: February 18, 2010
Categories: Events / News from Sustain Ontario
FGF’s current update includes many events to round out the end of the winter season…for some of us, the last chance for off-farm learning opportunities before this growing season starts!
Bring Food Home Conference, March 4-6 @ The Kitchener Delta Hotel featuring Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm & Martin Gooch as keynote speakers.
For details, go to:Â http://bringfoodhome.com/
Includes a CSA Mini School & New Farmer Production day on Thursday
* Bursary available *
Organic Farming Certificate (OFC) program at Everdale Organic Farm & Learning Centre
A hybrid program that combines the hands-on rigour of a practical farm internship with the curriculum-based focus of a college or university course.
For details, go to:Â http://www.everdale.org/node/70
Holistic Management Courses led by Tony & Fran McQuail, held at Ignatius College, north of Guelph
Feb 26 & 27: Introduction to Holistic Management, Create your Holistic Goal, and Testing Questions
March 12 & 13: Financial Management…Take Control…and Planning a Profit;
March 26 & 27: Planned Grazing, Land management, Grow more Grass and Improve your Soil
The fee for the each two day segment is $300 plus GST. There is a $100 discount for taking all three weekends as a package ($800 + GST). This covers 2 people from the same farm to attend and includes one set of materials. Additional people from the same operation can attend at a further discount. Course runs 9 am to 4:30 pm daily. You are responsible for bringing a bag lunch. Take first segment or two or three. For details, contact Fran or Tony McQuail at 519-258-2493 or mcqufarm@hurontel.on.ca. Each weekend limited to 10 farms. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required at the time of registration.
* For those participating in the OMAFRA Farm business training program- This training opportunity is eligible for cost-share funding through the Growing Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses program in Ontario.
Planning your Organic Vegetable Garden, with Gavin Dandy the Everdale Farm Manager.
Saturday, February 27, 2010, 10 am to 4 pm. Cost is $85. Held at the Dublin Street United Church in Guelph (68 Suffolk St W, Guelph:Â http://www.dublin.on.ca/ for directions).
Join us for this day long worskhop and learn how to grow delicious organic vegetables right in your own backyard. This workshop will discuss various backyard garden styles, planning for space needs, soil building, crop rotations, seed buying and selecting the right plants and varieties for your garden for a steady & delicious harvest from spring fall!
Go to http://www.everdale.org/node/234 to register.
The Lost Art of Canning and Home Preserving: Focusing on Preserves as Value Added, with Cathy Hansen a Canadian Red Seal Chef, and owner of Bernway Farm Organically Grown Produce & Philosopher’s Kitchen in Ospringe Ontario.
Saturday, March 27, 2010, 10 am to 4 pm. Cost is $95. Held at The Working Centre, Kitchener (www.theworkingcentre.org/sjk/location/location.html for directions).
This workshop is especially for producers who want to make preserves a part of their value added product line. Learn how easy it is to preserve foods in your own kitchen, and then you too can sell your pickles, sauces or other specialty items all year long. This workshop will cover the physics, chemistry and biology of high acid canning as well as recipe selection, equipment, sourcing supplies and of course, hands on canning for everyone to take home! This workshop will cover costing/pricing, regulation and some marketing. Suitable for those with little or no experience.
Go to http://www.everdale.org/node/251 to register.
Growing Forward – Food Safety and Traceability Initiative
This is a 50/50 government cost share program for up to $25,000 to implement food safety and traceability programs. Applications will be accepted starting March 1 on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds are exhausted. You must attend an OMAFRA FSTI Information Session first. For session locations/dates, go to:http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/foodsafety/grants/infosessions.htm
ACORN’s 10th Anniversary Conference & Trade Show:Celebrating A Decade of Growth!
March 4th – 6th at the Rodd Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island.
For details, go to:Â http://acornorganic.org/conference.html
2009 Sustainable Farmer of the Year Banquet and Presentation
National Farmer’s Union, Waterloo Wellington Chapter
All are welcome to celebrate the achievements of an exceptional group of local nominees. Meal prepared by Chef Chris Jess and his students at Centre Wellington District High School’s “FOOD SCHOOL”. The award itself is being designed and created by an Erin District High School student.
Friday, March 26th; Doors Open 6:30pm – Dinner 7pm
Elora Legion Hall, 110 Metcalfe Street Elora
Guest Speaker:Neil McGavin
Tickets: $15ea
Contact: Ron Weber 519 343 4803 or John Sutherland 519 855 4651
Vend at the Kingston Public Market in 2010
The Kingston Public Market is currently accepting vendor applications for the 2010 season!
The Local Food Local Chefs initiative has committed $250,000 to increasing the sale of local food in Kingston, with a focus on revitalizing the Kingston Public Market. Don’t miss your chance to benefit as a Kingston Public Market vendor!
For more information about the Local Food Local Chefs initiative or about vending at the Kingston Public Market please contact:
Kaitlin Byrick
Local Food Local Chefs Coordinator
Downtown Kingston! BIA
(613) 542-8677
HIGHLY ACTIVE SOIL ORGANISMS = FERTILE SOILS
*  Reducing Costs  *  Fertilizer Recipes  *  Feeding Programs  *
Speaker: MICHAEL FREIESLEBEN B.Sc., Bio-Chemist & Micro-Biologist – University of Waterloo, Agricultural Consultant since 1986 with TLC Animal Husbandry Inc.
LOCATION: Mount Forest Fire Hall (381 Main Street North in Mount Forest)
We are limiting this to 55 people!
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Wednesday, April 7th, 2010
Each meeting planned for 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Cost:Â Â $35.00 per person (GST included)
Family Rate:  $30.00 per person  (GST included)
Includes a copy of Modern Miracle Men ($14.00 value)
REGISTRATION REQUIRED to allow for the number of hot lunches needed. Hot coffee, tea, juice, doughnuts, homemade pies will also be available.
Contact:Â Â Michael or Phyllis Freiesleben, 519-327-8060, mpfreies@wightman.ca; Ron or Karen Parish, 905-852-7588, parbro01@hotmail.com; or Robert Greenfield, 519-538-5474, robertgsh@gmail.com