The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has been a steadfast partner of SCOR EDC, championing projects that benefit Ontario’s agricultural community. We’re excited to highlight OFA’s Cultivating Local webinar series, a new initiative helping Ontario farmers and agri-entrepreneurs expand their reach and grow successful local food businesses. This program, running from November 2024 to February 2025, builds on OFA’s established legacy of support for Ontario agriculture and its communities.
OFA’s Legacy of Supporting Local Agriculture
OFA has consistently worked to create sustainable growth opportunities for Ontario farmers. Previous initiatives like Where Local Lives and Feeding Your Future have been instrumental in supporting the agricultural sector, providing resources for both producers and job seekers alike.
Where Local Lives: Building Consumer Connections to Local Produce
The Where Local Lives initiative highlighted the value of locally grown food, connecting consumers with the source of their food and emphasizing the unique benefits of Ontario-grown products. The campaign not only helped promote local produce but also encouraged communities to support nearby farmers, strengthening local economies and reducing environmental impact through shorter food supply chains.
This initiative significantly impacted the South Central Ontario Region, where a substantial portion of OFA members reside. By fostering a stronger connection between consumers and producers, Where Local Lives helped bridge the gap between rural and urban communities. Its emphasis on local produce encouraged Ontarians to explore fresh, seasonal food while supporting family-owned farms and helping to build a more resilient food system. For SCOR EDC, promoting initiatives like Where Local Lives has been essential to nurturing the region’s agricultural identity and supporting the long-term sustainability of its farms.
Feeding Your Future: Addressing Workforce Needs in Ontario’s Agriculture Sector
The Feeding Your Future project was another impactful OFA initiative that responded to one of the agricultural sector’s most pressing challenges: the need for a skilled workforce. This initiative connected Ontario’s agri-food employers with potential job seekers through a combination of job-matching services, virtual career fairs, and specialized training. Feeding Your Future was pivotal during the pandemic, as it offered a lifeline for agricultural businesses struggling with labor shortages while also opening up new career opportunities for job seekers across Ontario.
By addressing workforce gaps, Feeding Your Future has helped ensure that Ontario’s farms remain productive and competitive. The program’s career development resources have inspired more people to consider fulfilling careers within agriculture, addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in areas like planting, harvesting, food processing, and marketing. As a result, Feeding Your Future not only supported immediate hiring needs but also helped cultivate a future workforce prepared to drive Ontario’s agricultural sector forward.
Introducing Cultivating Local: Empowering Ontario Farmers to Reach Local Markets
OFA’s newest initiative, Cultivating Local, is an extension of these impactful programs, providing resources for farmers looking to tap into direct-to-consumer sales. This nine-part webinar series offers practical insights into key areas like value-added agriculture, agritourism, and digital marketing. As more Ontarians seek to buy local, the Cultivating Local series will equip farmers with the skills and knowledge to seize these growing opportunities.
Held every Thursday from November 2024 through February 2025, Cultivating Local includes workshops on:
Market Trends: Understanding what local consumers are looking for.
Getting Started with Value-Added Products: Adding value to farm products through processing or unique packaging.
Selling at Farmers’ Markets: Accessing community spaces to engage directly with consumers.
Selling to Restaurants and Institutions: Expanding beyond individual consumers and building partnerships with local businesses.
Labelling and Product Attributes: Navigating certifications like organic and gluten-free labeling for added product value.
SCOR EDC’s Commitment to Promoting OFA Initiatives
With a long-standing partnership with OFA, SCOR EDC is proud to promote Cultivating Local as part of our shared commitment to supporting Ontario’s agricultural community. Approximately 15% of OFA’s members live within the South Central Ontario Region, making our collaboration especially meaningful. The Cultivating Local series, along with past initiatives like Where Local Lives and Feeding Your Future, highlights the importance of both consumer support and workforce development in maintaining a robust agricultural sector.
As we continue to support local farmers, SCOR EDC is committed to creating an environment where Ontario’s agricultural sector can thrive, contributing to the province’s economy and the wellbeing of its communities. Together with OFA, we are building a brighter future for Ontario agriculture—one that values local connections, sustainable growth, and innovation.
For more information on the Cultivating Local series and to register for upcoming webinars, visit OFA’s Cultivating Local page.
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