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

• f 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 3rd, 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 14th, 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:

Fruit Crops (Northern-hardy varieties) Specialty Crops (Quinoa, amaranth, hemp) Oilseed Crops (Canola, camelina, soybeans) Biomass Crops (Switchgrass, miscanthus)

Quinoa Growth Feasibility Soil Amendments Agricultural Biomass Northern Hardy Fruit

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 No-till Seeding Cover Crops

Cover Crops (Tillage Radish) Rotational Grazing Planning No-till Seeding Forage Crops

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

Friday, February 7th, 2014

with Bryan Gilvesy of YU Ranch in Tillsonburg, ON

RAIN Update – Upcoming Events

MARKETING & INNOVATION FOR LOCAL FOOD PRODUCERS

Food Catered by: Red Door Catering (Sherry Rumble) Dinner provided by: Dessert & coffee provided by:

Algoma Ag Centre

RAIN Update – Upcoming Events

Saturday, February 8th, 2014

with Dr. Bob Bors from the University of Saskatchewan

RAIN Update – Upcoming Events

NORTHERN HARDY FRUIT PRODUCTION

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