The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) is a project of the Sault - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) is a project of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) and NORDIK Institute, with collaboration and support from local associations, producers, businesses, municipalities, and funding organizations. RAIN focuses on business growth and improved capacity for producers of rural based crops, commodities, value-added products and services in the Algoma region. The 3-year pilot project will work alongside collaborators to: Undertake research • Build relationships • Build capacity •

RAIN Update – Feb 3 rd , 2014 Market Development Consumer Research Project • Local Food Co-op Working Group • Eat Algoma. Local Food Festival • Field Research Crop Trials • Pasture Improvement Project • Infrastructure Development Tile Drainage and Storage Study • – Next steps Upcoming Events Eat Algoma . Local Food Festival… •

RAIN Update – Market Development Consumer Research Project Erin Heeney, Local Food Researcher with RAIN • Conducting survey research in grocery stores, • farmers’ markets, convenience stores Identify consumer preferences and challenges for • purchasing locally-produced food Identify barriers/challenges for retailers in sourcing • locally-produced food Healthy Food For All Project A project of RAIN and Ontario Healthy Communities • Coalition for local food system planning Develop a strategic plan for Algoma’s food system • with stakeholders, markets and farmers Eat Algoma. Local Food Festival – June 14 th , 2014 Celebrating local food & farming in the Downtown •

RAIN’s Team Errol Caldwell, RAIN Co-Chair Research Director of SSMIC Dr. Gayle Broad, RAIN Co-Chair Director of NORDIK David Thompson, Project Coordinator Katie Filion, Market Development Specialist Saul Fraleigh, Research Technician Erin Heeney, Research Assistant

RAIN Update – Field Research Diversification RAIN has identified crops that are relatively new to Algoma District, which are of interest to farmers that want to diversify their farming operations. In 2013, RAIN identified the following priorities and projects through consultation with the growing community: Quinoa Growth Feasibility Fruit Crops (Northern-hardy varieties) Specialty Crops (Quinoa, amaranth, hemp) Biomass Crops (Switchgrass, miscanthus) Oilseed Crops (Canola, camelina, soybeans) Soil Amendments Northern Hardy Fruit Agricultural Biomass

RAIN Update – Best Practices RAIN has identified useful agricultural practices that are used sporadically in Algoma. Intensive rotational grazing is one such practice that RAIN will feature through the Algoma Pasture Improvement Project. Other best practices include seeding cover crops and trying different varieties of forage and cereal crops for local producers. Pasture Improvement Practices Intensive Rotational Grazing Cover Crops No-till Seeding Rotational Grazing Planning Cover Crops (Tillage Radish) Forage Crops No-till Seeding

RAIN Update – Crop Research Projects Completed Projects Alder Regeneration Project • Crop Performance and Production Analyses for Purpose Grown Biomass in Algoma District • Crop Rotation Options for Canola Production in Algoma District • Soil Amendments for Oilseed Productivity • Quinoa Growth Feasibility • Ongoing Projects Pasture Improvement Demonstration and Assessment (PIDA) • Northern Fruit Monitoring Program • Late Fall Seeding Assessment • Camelina Variety Trials • Algoma Historical Crop Research Summary • Tentative Projects Quinoa Cleaning and Processing Systems • Sorghum and Corn Forage - Season Extension • Cover Crops to Reduce Input Costs • Exclusion Fencing and Alternative Water Source for Livestock • Crop Rotation Options for Canola (field trials) •

RAIN Update – Tile Drainage & Storage Infrastructure Agricultural Tile Drainage and Storage Study – Completed RAIN, Conestoga Rovers & Associates (CRA) and C.G. Trivers Ltd. 84 of 317 registered farmers • (90 properties) that requested tile • drainage infrastructure for 4,983 acres Approximate cost of tile drainage • infrastructure in this sample would be $5,500,000 (at $1,100 an acre) Slides from the November Tile • Drainage Meeting are available online at: www.rainalgoma.ca/resources

RAIN Update – Infrastructure Development Regional Land Clearing and Tile Drainage Projects • NOHFC is accepting applications for regional land clearing and/or tile drainage projects under the Strategic Economic Infrastructure Program • The applicant would be a not-for-profit, agricultural or community organization that will develop/submit funding applications and administer approved funding on behalf of NOHFC • The applicant would work within its region to build a consortium of producers interested in undertaking land clearing/tile drainage projects

RAIN Update – Infrastructure Development What is eligible under the program? • Regional land clearing and/or tile drainage contractor costs (materials and labour) and project management/administration fees of the service provider are eligible Land can already be in production or new acreage

RAIN Update – Infrastructure Development Funding NOHFC will fund 50% of land clearing and/or tile • drainage contractor costs to a maximum of $500/ acre, and 100% of the project management/administration fees - Calculated as 10% of contractor costs to a maximum of $50/acre Funding is in the form of a conditional contribution • Individual producers must make cash contributions of at least 10% • contractor costs (materials and labour) specific to their individual acreage Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with OMAF and MRA staff on • viability of projects that are proposed An OMAF and MRA technical review is a mandatory part of the due • diligence process

RAIN Update – Upcoming Events RAIN Update – Upcoming Events Friday, February 7 th , 2014 MARKETING & INNOVATION FOR LOCAL FOOD PRODUCERS with Bryan Gilvesy of YU Ranch in Tillsonburg, ON Food Catered by: Red Door Catering (Sherry Rumble) Algoma Ag Centre Dinner provided by: Dessert & coffee provided by:

RAIN Update – Upcoming Events RAIN Update – Upcoming Events Saturday, February 8 th , 2014 NORTHERN HARDY FRUIT PRODUCTION with Dr. Bob Bors from the University of Saskatchewan Food Catered by: Red Door Catering (Sherry Rumble) Breakfast provided by: Jonathan Stewart Lunch provided by:

RAIN Update – Upcoming Events RAIN Update – Upcoming Events RAIN MEMBERSHIP Cost: $15.00 for Individual or $25.00 for Spousal Benefits: -“RAIN Member” Discounted Price for Events and Workshops 2014 RAIN Symposium: Friday $14.00 Saturday $23.00 Both: $30.00 - Access to RAIN Quarterly Newsletter *Today Only: COUPON Book Included with Membership Purchase