Ontario seeks AgriRecovery aid to help Bradford Marsh growers Wednesday, July 3, 2013 by SUSAN MANN The provincial agriculture ministry has asked Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to launch a formal assessment process under the AgriRecovery framework for farmers who lost their crops after spring floods in the Holland Marsh. On May 25 and then again on June 16, about 130 acres of carrot and onion crops in the Horlings Marsh-Bradford area of the marsh were flooded with more than a metre of water when the area’s dyke failed. Farmers have said it is now too late to try to establish another planting and crops for the year have been lost. In a July 4 letter to federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, Wynne says “the assessment will help us to fully understand the impact of this situation on producers in the area (Horlings Marsh) and how best to respond to ensure that they are able to emerge from this challenge and thrive in the future.” She also told Ritz she appreciates his “support in addressing this request as quickly as possible.” AgriRecovery is a risk management framework jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments designed to provide targeted assistance to farmers facing specific disasters, such as from weather or disease. The province has also given the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury an emergency declaration under the Drainage Act so it can move quickly to fix the Horlings Dyke. The ministry administers the Act and without the emergency declaration it’s a two to three year process for the town to get the proper permits and approvals from various agencies to fix and maintain the dyke. Gabrielle Gallant, Premier and Agriculture Minister Kathleen Wynne’s spokesperson, says by email ministry officials worked with the town to assess the situation and now that the declaration has been granted the town can proceed with the work “under the supervision of an engineer and with the support of affected property owners.” Gallant says in the email the “flooding has had a significant impact on an unique area of Ontario that is so important to our agri-food industry.” As for more recent flooding in Chatham Kent, Gallant says the ministry and Agricorp are in contact with farmers in that area. “Just as we are in Bradford, ministry staff are working with the landowners to see how existing programs may be brought to bear to assist them to recover from these unfortunate situations.” She says the government has a variety of insurance and risk management programs available for producers to help them deal with adverse weather conditions. South Huron County, west Elgin County and southwest Middlesex and Lambton Counties have also experienced flooding due to recent rains. Gallant says ministry staff haven’t gotten back to her yet as to if they are in contact with farmers in those areas. BF Support available for processing under new national ag policy CFIA invites comment on food safety action plan
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online