January 16, 2015
TECHNICAL UPDATES Source Water Protection Streamlining Environmental Compliance for Greenhouse Growers
PROGRAMS and SERVICES OMAFRA Economic Development Programs
New! AgMaps Portal Help Tutorial Series Value-added Course to Help Producers Rural Economic Development Program
Changes to Farm Licence Plate Requriements
Helping Francophone Communities Commemorate 400 YearsÂ
Environmental Farm Plan
Growing Your Farm Profits
RESOURCES
Follow Us on Twitter Fact Sheets and Publications Electronic Bulletins and Newsletters Phone Lines and Websites Dateline Calendar of Events OMAFRA Advisors Next Issue: February 13, 2015 TECHNICAL UPDATES Source Water Protection
Protecting drinking water is everyone's responsibility. Over the next several years, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) will implement Source Protection Plans under the Clean Water Act, 2006, to help ensure that Ontarians have access to safe drinking water. Source Protection Plans address activities - including agricultural practices - that could have an impact on municipal drinking water sources.
Each plan contains a number of policies to reduce existing, and future, threats to drinking water. Plans are unique to the Source Protection Area or Region they cover. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is working with MOECC, Source Protection Committees, local municipalities, conservation authorities and farm organizations to ensure that Source Protection Plan policies are effective and implementable.
If your farm is in a Source Protection Area or Region, you are required by law to comply with the local Source Protection Plan.
Source Protection Plans may affect your farm's nutrient management strategy (NMS) or plan (NMP), or non-agricultural source material (NASM) plan. OMAFRA staff will contact farmers in Source Protection Areas or Regions who have a registered operation, or an approved NMS, NMP or NASM plan. By law, these documents must be reviewed and amended to be in compliance with the Source Protection Plan.
You may have land use activities on your farm that are not regulated by an NMS, NMP or NASM Plan that may need to comply with your local Source Protection Plan. If you carry out activities, or are planning activities, that are significant drinking water threats, you may need to implement a site-specific Risk Management Plan (RMP). The RMP summarizes what you must do to make sure an activity is no longer, or does not become, a significant threat to drinking water.
An RMP is a legally-binding agreement between you and your local Risk Management Official (RMO). An RMO, or a Risk Management Inspector working for the RMO, is allowed to visit farms impacted by the local SPP as part of the RMP process.
The Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition has prepared the Farm Source Water Protection Planframework and workbook, found at http://www.ofa.on.ca/issues/ overview/source-water- protection-framework, to help you prepare to negotiate an RMP.
Contact Information:
Questions about the Clean Water Act and Source Water Protection can be directed to MOECC at source.protection@ontario.ca or 416-212-5296.
Contact your local conservation authority or municipality, or visit the Conservation Ontario website (www.conservation-ontario.on. ca/uncategorised/143- otherswpregionsindex), for information on specific Source Protection Plans, and to find out if you are located in a Source Protection Area or Region.
Contact your local municipality or conservation authority for information on what you are required to do if your farm is affected by a Source Protection Plan.
Streamlining Environmental Compliance for Greenhouse Growers
Ontario is making it easier for greenhouse growers to comply with regulation regarding the disposal of greenhouse nutrient feedwater by streamlining environmental compliance that will benefit farmers and enhance protection of the environment.
The new Greenhouse Nutrient Feedwater Regulation will help greenhouse growers better comply with environmental standards by reducing the costs and uncertainty of approvals. It will promote the reuse, and facilitate the recycling of, greenhouse nutrient feedwater while providing farmers with a new source of nutrients to fertilize their crops.
This change was raised by the Open For Business Forum, a regular roundtable of agri-food experts convened to streamline regulations and promote a better business climate. It will benefit local farmers by providing a new source of inexpensive nutrients that can reduce the need for expensive commercial fertilizers, and supplemental irrigation water that can replace water drawn from lakes, rivers and wells.
Supporting the province's agri-food industry is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
For more information please go to: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/nm/regs/gnfpro/gnfreg. htm PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Les programmes, les services et les ressources du ministère de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation de l'Ontario et du ministère des Affaires rurales sont également disponsibles en anglais.
The programs, services and resources of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Rural Affairs are also available in French.
OMAFRA Economic Development Programs and Services
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Regional Economic Development Branch provides economic development services through its regional advisory staff to support agricultural and rural organizations through:
Integrated delivery of agriculture and rural economic development resources and programs Coaching, training and stakeholder facilitation services Program implementation through an array of government resources Networking to build regional economic development collaboration and best practices New program development and research on emerging programs Connecting clients to OMAFRA resources that enable economic growth Coordination of information, resources, tool and programs to a number of client groups including:Rural Municipalities Regional Economic Development Organizations Chambers of Commerce Business Improvement Area Associations Rural Businesses Innovative Agricultural Producers Regional Stakeholder Groups/Local Committees Other Ministries For more information on OMAFRA's economic development programs and services contact your local REDB advisor http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/rural/edr/contacts. htm#ras-contact or visit http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/rural/edr/index.html
NEW! AgMaps Portal and Agricultural Information Atlas Application Help Tutorial Series
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has a new series of tutorials to help you use the Agricultural Information Atlas (AIA), an online application that allows you to create custom maps and find agricultural information for Ontario. You can find the AIA link on the AgMaps Geographic Information Portal atontario.ca/agmaps, the ministry's single access point for geospatial data.
The AgMaps Portal and AIA Application Help Tutorial Series provides step-by-step instructions on how to use the AIA for your farm or business. The audio/visual series helps with a range of topics - from navigating the application and creating layers on your custom maps, to creating tile drainage maps and nutrient management strategy farm sketches.
Find the 13 tutorials on the OMAFRA website (www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/ landuse/gis/agatlas-help.htm).
For more information, contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.
Value-added course to help producers increase profits with new products or services
Ever wondered about turning your fruit into jam? Ever dreamed about making gourmet ready-to-eat meals with your produce?
Take the free OMAFRA course, Exploring Value Added Opportunities, to learn whether adding value to your products and services is right for your business.
Course Description
Participants will learn how to generate ideas for value-added opportunities, assess an idea's business potential, identify and manage risk and develop a plan to execute their idea.
Course Testimonial
"Sessions were dynamic and engaging. We were also very impressed with the sheer quantity of good information offered to us. Thank you!" A past course participant.
Choose the format that works for you!
In-person, One-day Workshops
Connect in person with other entrepreneurs and course facilitators. Lunch is provided at these sessions.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015; 9-3
(with Market Considerations additional session offered Feb 17)
Stirling Rawdon Public Library, Hastings County
Registration: events@smallbusinessctr.com or 613-961-0590
Thursday, February 5, 2015; 9-4
Sydenham Public Library, Frontenac County
http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ exploring-value-added- opportunities-tickets- 14946329875
Three Interactive, Facilitated Webinars
The course is also being delivered through a series of three, one-hour interactive webinars. These sessions are taking place on February 24, March 3, and March 10 (all Tuesdays) from 12-1pm. To participate in this free learning opportunity, you will need Internet and phone access. Pre-registration is required. To register, please call 1-877-424-1300.
Self-Guided Online Learning
Want to work independently at your own pace? Access the full course online and work through the modules on your own. Course and related materials can be found here:http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/busdev/ diversifyfarmbus/elearning. html
Learn more or register at: ontario.ca/e996 1-877-424-1300
Rural Economic Develoment Program Intake Dates
The Rural Economic Development (RED) program provides up to $14.5 million funding per year to:
Help rural communities and regions build a foundation for economic growth and investment Promote collaboration for economic growth Program Goals:
Rural communities and regions have enhanced capacity to succeed Rural communities are healthy and vibrant Regions are economically competitive The current RED program intake date has been extended until January 31, 2015 (from December 31, 2014). Intakes will continue to be open on a continuous basis. Application review periods from this point on are:
November 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015 February 1, 2015 to April 30, 2015 May 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015 August 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015 November 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016 Changes to Farm Licence Plate Requirements
Starting January 1, 2015, vehicle owners wishing to purchase or attach farm plates to a new commercial vehicle over 3000 kg will need to provide documentation to demonstrate that they have a farm business.
Only those clients purchasing or attaching new farm plates to a vehicle will be required to show proof of farm business as of January 1, 2015. The new requirements will not affect any current farm plate owners who are renewing their farm plates.
What documentation do I have to show to prove I have a farm business?
Your Farm Business Registration (FBR) number is proof that you run a farm business. Any one of the following documents will prove that you have an FBR:
A farm organization membership card; A Gross Farm Income Exemption Certificate; A letter from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal indicating religious exemption; A letter from Agricorp with your FBR number; or A letter from the Indian Agriculture Program of Ontario confirming that the producer has met the FBR eligibility requirements. Why is the Ministry of Transportation making these changes?
Ontario's Auditor General (OAG), in its 2012 annual report on the Drive Clean Program and the 2013 annual report on ServiceOntario, noted an increasing number of vehicles with farm plates and was concerned that no verification is required to obtain farm plates. In both audit reports, the OAG recommended the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) review the requirements for obtaining a farm plate, to ensure that no abuse of the system was taking place.
As a result, MTO is implementing new requirements for issuing or attaching farm plates to a commercial vehicle. This will ensure that only qualified farmers obtain farm plates and receive the benefits associated with having a farm plate.
For more information:
About the Farm Business Registration program, please contact Agricorp. Their Contact Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached by calling 1-888-247-4999 or TTY: 1-877-275-1380. Their email address is:contact@agricorp.com.
About farm licence plates, visit a Service Ontario location near you or contact them athttps://www.ontario.ca/ serviceontario or by phone at 1-800-387-3445.
New Grant Program Helping Communities Commemorate 400 Years of Francophone Presence in Ontario
The program offers project-based funding to community organizations, municipalities and others to help plan local cultural and tourism events that commemorate the 400thanniversary of francophone presence in Ontario. The events will help boost tourism and create jobs, as visitors from across the province, Canada and the world join in the celebrations.
Local events marking the 400th anniversary will take place in communities throughout the summer and fall of 2015, including at the TORONTO 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. Investing in local communities is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four- part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
Application deadline is February 11, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
For more information please go to: http://ontario.ca/bzez
Environmental Farm Plan Workshop - 2015
Free Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) fourth edition workshops are now being offered across Ontario. Farmers are invited to participate to create or update their EFP and learn more about cost-sharing opportunities available. Register Online atwww.ontariosoilcrop.org
Growing Your Farm Profits - 2015
Start the business planning process by attending this free two-day interactive workshop. You will : Assess business management practices, determine priorities and key goals, develop realistic action plans and learn about cost-share funding opportunities. Register Online at www.ontariosoilcrop.org RESOURCES There are lots of resources available on the web at the OMAFRA website (www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/ ag.html) as well as others to help you with your decisions. Follow Us on Twitter
Name Specialty Twitter Handle OMAFRA Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs @atOMAFRA Foodland Ontario Local Food @FoodlandOnt OMAFRA Field Crops Crops @onfieldcrops OMAFRA Hort Update Horticulture @onhortcrops OMAFRA Swine Team Swine @ONswineinfo Joel Bagg Forage @JoelBagg Tracey Baute Entomology @TraceyBaute Christine Brown Nutrient Management @manuregirl Jacqui Empson
Mike Cowbrough Environmental Specialist
Weeds @notrunningfast
@Cowbrough Brian Hall Edible Beans @Brian_Hall_Ont Peter Johnson Cereals @WheatPete Jack Kyle Pasture @JackKyle5 Gilles Quesnel Pest Management @GillesQuesnel Ian McDonald Applied Research @ian_d_mcdonald Barry Potter Beef, Dairy, Sheep @LivestockPotter Christoph Wand
Tom Wright Beef and Sheep Nutritionist
Dairy Cattle Nutritionist @CtophWand
@feedlandontario
FactSheets and Publications
To order OMAFRA publications and factsheets:
Visit any OMAFRA Resource Centre / Northern Ontario Regional Office or ServiceOntario location http://www.omafra. gov.on.ca/english/offices/ ouroffices.html Visit the ServiceOntario website at: www.serviceontario.ca/ publications or call1-800-668-9938 Visit the OMAFRA website at: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/products/index.html or contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre by calling: 1-877-424-1300 Publications: Sheep Management Journal: Publication 846
Ontario Farm Record Book: Publication 540 Factsheets:
14-021 Feeding Corn Silage to Sheep
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/livestock/sheep/facts/ 14-021.htm
14-027 Removing Liquid Manure From Storage
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/engineer/facts/14-027. pdf
14-031 Whiteflies in Greenhouse Crops - Biology, Damage and Management
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/crops/facts/14-031.pdf
14-033 Sanitation Guidelines for Management of Pests and Diseases of Greenhouse Vegetables
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/crops/facts/14-033.pdf
14-037 Leafminers Attacking Greenhouse Crops
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/crops/facts/14-037.pdf
14-039 Forced-Air Cooling Systems for Fresh Ontario Fruits
http://www.ontariotenderfruit. ca/Forced-Air.pdf
14-021 Feeding Corn Silage to Sheep http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/livestock/sheep/facts/ 14-021.pdf
Electronic Bulletins and Newsletters
Ag Business Update
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/busdev/news/index.html
Virtual Beef
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/livestock/beef/news. html
Pork News and Views Newsletter
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/livestock/swine/news. html
CropPest Ontario
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/crops/field/news/news_ croppest.html
CEPTOR - Animal Health News
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/livestock/ceptor/news. html
ONVegetables (Vegetable Viewpoint)
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/crops/hort/news/news_ vegview.html
Ontario Berry Grower
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/crops/hort/news/news_ berrygrower.html
Hort Matters Newsletter
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/crops/hort/news/news_ hortmatt.html
On Organic
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/crops/organic/news/ news-organic.html
