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
Strategies to Optimize Market Returns in Ontario Monday, September 15, 2025 Berkley Fedorchuk, grain marketing specialist with Hensall Co-op in Southwestern Ontario, recently shared insights into the current corn market and strategies for forward marketing during his presentation at the . With a focus on the Ontario and Eastern Canadian grain sectors,... Read this article online
From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara Friday, September 12, 2025 For the first time since 1926, the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) is returning to the Niagara Region Setpember 16 to 20. Set to take place in West Lincoln, the 106th edition of this iconic event will run under the theme “,” celebrating the deep roots and fresh flavours of... Read this article online
Festival of Guest Nations returns to Leamington Friday, September 12, 2025 On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, will come alive with music, food, and celebration as the Festival of Guest Nations returns to honour the migrant worker communities who play a vital role in Essex County’s agricultural economy. With more than 20 years... Read this article online
York Region launching new Agri-Food Startup Program Thursday, September 11, 2025 A new program in York Region is designed to help entrepreneurs find their footing in the food space. The 14-week hybrid Agri-Food Start-up Program partners entrepreneurs with local organizations like the Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island... Read this article online
Corn and Soybean Diseases Spread This Season Wednesday, September 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFRA website fieldcropnews.com, as well as in previous articles by Farms.com, the 2025 growing season is nearing its end with corn and soybean farmers in Ontario and the U.S. Corn Belt facing disease challenges that reflect changing weather conditions. For corn, two... Read this article online