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Taste the County™ is a marketing and quality enhancement organization that was established in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada in 1999. As an incorporated not-for-profit organization, Taste the County™ has the ability to apply for funding in order to fulfill its mandate to stimulate agricultural and tourism economic growth through sustainable event marketing and project management in Prince Edward County.

 
Dedicated to Creating a Sustainable Future: Earthwalk Eco Education Center offers sustainable educational experiences throughout Eastern Ontario and beyond.
 

ECOTB is an organization dedicated to improving our local labour force, economy and training systems. This site provides you with important information and resources about local initiatives, programs and services.

We're here to help our local industries, communities, businesses and people prepare for the future workplace. We hope that we have achieved some of this goal through the resources and information provided on this site.

If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us through this site or by phone and we'll do our very best to help you out.

The Eastern Ontario Trails Alliances aims to develop, manage, maintain and market a comprehensive network of year round shared use recreational trails in the area, recognizing that there are other future uses for corridors ie utility. EOTA will partner whenever possible.

Gates Open: explore Durham County

The Sisters of Providence in Kingston have an heirloom seed sanctuary. An heirloom seed is seed treasured by people who love the names, history, flavour, fragrance and feel of what plants share with them. Saved seeds often become best friends, part of the family. The purpose is to preserve open-pollinated seed so that it may be saved; and to grow, harvest, sort and store seed as organically as possible at Heathfield.

Many of Canada's rural communities are in economic, demographic, educational and social decline, according to a 2006 Interim Senate Report on rural poverty. The Monieson Knowledge Impact in Society (KIS) project will mobilize academic knowledge to increase rural Eastern Ontario's economic activity in order to grow healthier rural communities. 

KIS is a collaborative effort among The Monieson Centre, led by its Director Dr. Yolande Chan, Queen’s School of Business, the Eastern Ontario CFDC Network, and the PELA CFDC.

 
Nature Stuff tours and things - a fascinating website run by local naturalist and teacher Terry Sprague.
 

The Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association (OMSPA) was formed in 1966. Over 400 Ontario producers are active in 11 district or local organizations.

The Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is one of 13 Regional Tourism Organizations created by the Ontario government to increase tourism to the province. The OHTO covers a large region in eastern Ontario which includes the counties of Frontenac, Haliburton, Hastings, Lanark, Lennox and Addington, and Renfrew.

The OHTO’s mandate is to build and support a competitive tourism region through marketing and product development. The OHTO functions in partnership with established and recognized tourism organizations, municipalities and entities within the region to move forward in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration.

The OHTO operates as a not-for-profit organization and was founded in October 2010.

There is a wonderful new website about everything to do with beef. It been set up by the Beef Information Centre (BIC), the Beef Market Development division of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association. BIC uses an integrated approach, focusing programs on five key areas – improving the quality and consistency of beef; increasing beef’s convenience; expanding the use and value of all cuts; improving food safety; and improving consumers' perceptions about beef’s healthfulness and wholesomeness.

 
The flagship programs of the Community Development Council of Quinte are found in the Good Food Box programs. More information can be obtained by contacting our offices. There is the Good Food Box, the Good Singes Box, the Good Baby Box, a Community Garden and plans for Community Kitchens, and a Good Back Pack. For information about meals for students at school check with Food for Learning.
 

Originally the title of a best-selling book on the regional foods of Canada, Anita Stewart’s Flavours of Canada™ has become the brand that author and culinary activist Anita Stewart developed as a response to the BSE crisis that was decimating the Canadian beef industry in 2003. The website was created to host what she dubbed The World’s Longest Barbecue ~ Canada Day.

FoodNet Ontario is a province-wide network of organizations and individuals working together to create sustainable local food systems and achieve (community) food security in communities across Ontario.

 
Look for Foodland Ontario and the Foodland Ontario symbol when you’re shopping. It’s an easy way for you to identify Ontario foods in grocery stores and farmers’ markets, and a great way to ensure that you pick Ontario freshness. There is lots of information about what is grown in Ontario, how it is grown, its nutritional value and advice and recipes. You can find information about availability of Ontario produce.
 

The Great Toronto Agricultural Action Committee aim to promote a vibrant farm sector and encouraging people to buy their food locally. Farm fresh, pick your own and farmers’ markets are accessible throughout the GTA.

 
Harvestin’ the County is a program designed to support and show appreciation for our farmers and agricultural community. We are inviting you, residents and visitors alike, to show your support by buying as much locally grown produce as possible throughout the year.
 

If you have an interest in any aspect of the artisan cheese sector – from supplying milk, equipment, facilities or training to financing, making, marketing or retailing artisan cheese, call us. We can help. In addition to the information on this website, we can put you in touch with people in and outside our region who can help you develop – and implement – your plan for living your artisan cheese dream.  To do so, we will draw upon our extensive database of people and organizations who want to be of Ontario’s artisan cheese region!

Welcome to Local Canadian Food where you can find local food prodcuers and vendors throughout Canada.

Local Food Plus (LFP) is an award-winningnon-profit organization that certifies local sustainable food producers who reduce or eliminate pesticide use, treat their animals well, conserve soil and water, protect wildlife habitat, provide safe and fair working conditions, reduce energy use, and sell locally wherever possible. LFP then helps them connect with consumers and commercial buyers.

A certified farmers' market concept offers local Ontario producers easy access to an urban, diverse marketplace and a level playing field, where resellers are neither welcome nor permitted.

NFU members believe that the problems facing farmers are common problems, and that farmers producing diverse products must work together to advance effective solutions. The NFU works toward the development of economic and social policies that will maintain the family farm as the primary food-producing unit in Canada.
 

What is the NFS? The NFS is an industry led initiative with an objective to develop a mission and long-term strategy for the Canadian food system together with all players along the food chain from primary production, input, distributors, processors, retail and consumers. 

Food is the foundation of our culture. Culinary tourism offers the opportunity for people to experience our culture through  food and folklore. We are developing relationships between growers and processors, chefs and restaurateurs, bed and breakfasts and distributor, with the goal of establishing new culinary tourism experiences based upon a sustainable food system.

Ontario Farm Fresh provides knowledge and leadership to grow the farm fresh experience. Farms are fun. Get out in the fresh air and pick some strawberries or apples. Taste sweet corn that is only hours from the stalk. Visit an apple orchard. Learn about maple syrup. Enjoy a wagon ride or try solving the puzzle of a corn maze.

Canada urgenty needs a coordinated approach to food policy - a National Food Policy that seeks the greatest health for all Canadians, that is fair to food producers and that is in harmony with nature.

Excellent guide to food processing regulations  and Farm Guide.

Slow Food has been active in different regions in Canada for more than 10 years, with a particularly strong presence in Montreal, Ontario and British Columbia. During this time, Slow Food has become one of the most important bi-lingual food organizations in Canada. Today, more then one thousand members belong to thirty convivia which span the country from Newfoundland and Cape Breton Island to Vancouver Island and even Whitehorse in the Yukon.  Slow Food membership in Canada has been stable at around 1,300 members since 2008. Toronto has the largest convivium with roughly 200 members.

Sustain Ontario members have identified a number of priority issues related to healthy food and sustainable agriculture. Our working groups are listed below. Contact us if you are interested in becoming involved.

The Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario was established in 1979 with the purpose: To develop and provide programs promoting the practice and advancement of ecological agriculture which maintains and enhances the health of the soil, water, crops, livestock and the diversity of the environment. To educate and increase the public’s understanding of ecological agricultural methods like soil tillage, green manures, cover crops, composting, crop rotations, soil erosion control, and conservation practices by offering courses, seminars, conferences, farm tours, meetings, and publishing a newsletter and by collecting, researching, and disseminating information on this topic to the general public. To bring together people who are concerned about ecological agriculture so they can share experiences, support each other and create community. Activities: Conferences, Courses and workshops on ecological farming methods Farm tours, Newsletters, Farm consulting, Seed and stock exchange, Information source for Community Shared Agriculture and Good Fellowship.
 

Advantage Good Agricultural Practices is a voluntary program for both crop and livestock farms. It takes a whole farm approach to food safety. That means you can apply the practices to any farm, any size, no matter what production methods or products you produce. If you have a multi-commodity farm, you can follow the Advantage program using one manual and keep one set of records

Approximately 60 per cent of the value of all agricultural products produced by Ontario farms is marketed through twenty-one provincial marketing boards and three representative associations. 

The Canadian Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CCFFO) is a professional organization for Christian family farm entrepreneurs. The CFFO is an organization with the dual purpose of: enabling farmers to work out their Christian faith in their vocation as citizens, and to develop policy applications of the Christian faith to agriculture. The CFFO’s main service or “products” are: public policy development and education/communication.
 

 
Food safety is the CFIA’s top priority. The CFIA, along with many federal, provincial and municipal organizations, is working to improve the overall health of Canadians. The CFIA develops and delivers programs and services designed to protect Canadians from preventable food safety hazards, to ensure that food safety emergencies are effectively managed, and that the public is aware of–and contributes to–food safety.
 

 
Canadian Organic Growers Inc. is Canada’s national membership-based education and networking organization representing organic farmers, gardeners, consumers and supporters in all provinces and territories. You do not need to be an organic farmer or an organic gardener to be a COG member.
 

The CFFO is an organization with the dual purpose of:enabling farmers to work out their Christian faith in their vocation as citizens, and to develop policy applications of the Christian faith to agriculture. The CFFO's main service or "products" are: Public Policy Development and Education/Communication.

The marketing group for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture, proudly owned and operated by Ontario's Dairy Farmers.

 
The Farm Start mission is to facilitate, support and encourage a new generation of farmers to develop economically viable, locally based, and ecological agricultural enterprises. FarmStart is a not-for-profit organization working toward increasing the presence of young and new farmers, operating their own farm enterprises, within the agriculture community. By combining the facilitation of unique programs and resources, building partnerships and networks, supporting community capacity and linking farmers with existing programs and resources administered by other organizations, our goals are to: Support a new generation of farmers; Promote sustainable business models; Coordinate and communicate innovative, new and local market research; Develop farm facilities, resources and linkages important to new and young farmers; Develop effective land tenure and stewardship arrangements.
 

Farms At Work’s mission is to promote healthy and active farmlands within the region of east central Ontario.

A marketplace for buying and selling livestock, equipment, and fish. Also includes job postings.

 
The Hastings County Farm Show and Plowing Match celebrate 20 years. The event is the biggest county agricultural show in Ontario and is a great opportunity for farming community to get together and the show case the diversity of agriculture in Hastings County. You are invited to come and see what more than 250 exhibitors have to offer with their latest in agricultural equipment and services, as well as the plowing competitions, the antique display, the woodlot display and all the other great activities that the show is well known for.
 

The National Farmers Union in Ontario promotes policies that will revitalize agriculture in Ontario by strengthening family farms. On local, national and international levels, the NFU advocates alternative structures and government policies that resist corporate control of food. With farmers and consumers, NFU works to encourage vibrant rural communities, environmentally sustainable practices and the production of safe, wholesome food.

 
Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. (OAFE) is a registered charity incorporated under the Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. OAFE was created in 1991 with the mission of building awareness and understanding of the importance of an agriculture and food system.
 

 
The Ontario Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) is a grassroots organization that provides leadership to cattlemen from all sectors of the industry. The OCA promotes Ontario beef cattle production through policy planning, government lobbying, industry development programs, research, and communications along with the promotion and advertisement of beef. OCA also provides services to cattlemen in domestic and export market development and market pricing co-ordination and reporting.
 

The Ontario Farmland Trust is a non-government, non-profit, charitable organization that has been established to work with farmers, rural communities and other interested parties to promote the protection of farmland in the province of Ontario

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is a farmer-lead dynamic provincial lobby which works to represent the interests of its farm members to government. As the largest, voluntary general farm organization in the country, OFA has more than 38,000 members, as well as 32 organizational members and affiliates representing most agricultural commodity groups. Today the OFA continues to work hard to ensure that all levels of government hear Ontario farmers’ concerns. With 52 County and regional federations providing strong, local leadership, and 32 organizational members and affiliates the OFA is leading the way into the new millennium.
 
 

Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association: To communicate and facilitate responsible, economic management of soil, water, air and crops. The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP), now in its third edition, continues to be popular with the Ontario agricultural community. The new Grow your Farm Profits helps farmers plan their businesses.
 

From farm gate to the dinner plate. ONTRACE will deliver effective, functional, whole-chain traceability systems and supporting processes that will enable the agriculture and food industry in Ontario to become more innovative and competitive, while strengthening the planning, management and response to emergencies related to agriculture and food welfare and public safety.

The Organic Council / Le Conseil Biologique de l’Ontario is a membership-based non-profit association representing the organic sector in Ontario at a provincial and national level. The Organic Council of Ontario represents all groups (including producers, processors, marketers, retailers, restaurants, suppliers, distributors, certifiers and others), providing leadership and supporting the continued growth of the Ontario organic sector.

A Research, Consulting and International Development Organization creating ecological solutions for sustainable food, fibre and energy.
 

SPIN-Farming is a non-technical, easy-to-learn and inexpensive-to-implement vegetable farming system that makes it possible to earn significant income from land bases under an acre in size. Whether you are new to farming, or want to farm in a new way, SPIN can work for you because:

• Its precise revenue targeting formulas and organic-based techniques make it possible to gross $50,000+ from a half- acre.
• You don't need to own land. You can affordably rent or barter a small piece of land adequate in size for SPIN-Farming production.
• It works in either the city, country or small town.
• It fits into any lifestyle or life cycle.

SPIN is being practiced by first generation farmers because it removes the two big barriers to entry - land and capital - as well as by established farmers who want to diversify or downsize, as well as by part-time hobby farmers.

 
The Apple Route’s guide to fruit and veggies along the north shore of Lake Ontario. Check The Apple Route to find out about upcoming events, antiques, dining, galleries and much more.
 

Ivanhoe philosopher Vernon Molloy argues that an alternative to endless growth is necessary to avoid collapse. He puts forward constructive proposals such as the 100 mile economy providing 25 per cent of our everyday needs.

This low impact house was built for a family in Wales out of wood and straw bales, It by two men with help from passers by and visiting friends. Four months after starting the family moved in and was cosy. They estimate 1000-1500 man hours and £3000 put in to this point. Not really so much in house buying terms (roughly £60/sq m excluding labour).

For the first time in generations, more people are moving to the countryside than are leaving, chicken keeping is the UK’s fastest-growing hobby and for many self-sufficiency is no longer a pipe dream. Louise France meets four families who’ve gone in search of the good life.

Nature in Deed is a portal to a wide range of information and resources about living in a rural area. You can find links to people and resource agencies who can provide information on just about any property related question you may have.

Stemergy renewable bio-fibre was formed in 1994 (under the name Hempline Inc.) and in that same year became the first company in North America since the 1940’s to grow industrial hemp bio-fibre for research.

UK site all about self-sufficiency, food integrity, and the consumption of local, seasonal produce. Hello and welcome to Rivercottage.net, a website about food, where it comes from, and why that matters.
 

In 4-H Clubs the focus is on fun, friends, and learning cool new skills ...like creating crafts, building a website, producing a play, building a smallengine, or learning all about animals!

Open to boys and girls between 8 and 21 (age varies in each province), 4-Hhas been helping develop well-rounded, responsible and independent youthsince 1913. Members engage in technical skill development, exciting projectsand other fun Club activities. Members have the opportunity to travel inCanada and beyond on exchanges, participate in cutting-edge provincial andnational conferences, and apply for more than $25,000 in available nationalscholarships.

Association Contact Judy StrikerEmail: judy [dot] striker [at] sympatico [dot] ca

 
The Central Ontario Cheesemakers Association was incorporated as a non-profit organization on August 29, 1928. The Association was founded to provide an opportunity for Cheesemakers to share knowledge and techniques, in a foundling Canadian industry. The Association established the British Empire Cheese Competition, which gave Cheesemakers the opportunity to compete with others around the British Empire and win bragging rights.
 

Ontariofresh.ca responds to the growing interest in local food by wholesale and commercial buyers.  It is a free marketing service, online community and product database created to expand the local Ontario food market for both buyers and sellers.

Our aim is to connect across the food service value chain, linking institutions, food retail, chefs, restaurants, caterers and distributors as well as growers and producers.  Local food is big business, and Ontariofresh.ca is providing tools that will assist buyers to source local products quickly and easily while opening the door for Ontario producers to create new business relationships. 

OHCC is an incorporated registered charity, whose mission is ”to work with the diverse communities of Ontario to strengthen their social, environmental and economic well-being."

VisionThriving rural Ontario, agriculture, and food sectors.

MissionA catalyst for transforming our agriculture and food sectors and rural communities for a healthy Ontario.

Check out Best Management Practices http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/bmp/series.htm.

Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. Ontario Nature is a charitable organization representing more than 30,000 members and supporters and 140 member groups across Ontario. Since it was established as the Federation of Ontario Naturalists in 1931, Ontario Nature has been a champion for nature in Ontario.

 
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Ontario Stewardship program is a community-based initiative that brings together landowners, associations, resource agencies and individuals who share an interest in responsible land care and sustainable resource use. The program advocates stewardship as a tool for land management.
 

It's early January 2009, and internet marketing is facing reality like never before. The term "YAPS" (yet another portal system) is anything but complimentary, and so I would like to explain how joining the ruralroutes.com database can make money for you, the prospective marketer, or you the small town business association looking for a content management system with a solid, results driven administrative backend.

Sustainable Cobourg was formed in the summer of 2008 to organize or participate in local environmental projects, educate and increase the public’s understanding of the environment and its importance, develop and offer programs promoting the protection and preservation of the environment, and conduct and disseminate research relating to the environment.

Living economies are made up of human-scale enterprises, locally-owned by people who have a stake in the future of the community in which they live.

Glynwood Center helps communities address change in ways that conserve local culture and natural resources while strengthening economic well-being.. One of the most daunting challenges confronting many communities is sustaining local agriculture. We have increased our focus on agricultural issues to bring our resources and experience to bear on this complex set of issues. Glynwood itself – with its 225-acre farm, landscape and conference facility – is at the heart of our work. Located just 60 miles north of New York City in the Hudson Valley, it affords us the base from which we can do, learn and share with others.

Peak of the Market is a grower-owned “not for profit” vegetable supplier and operates in Manitoba under the Farm Products Marketing Act. Peak of the Market has grown quality produce in Manitoba for 67 years and supplies over 120 different varieties of Manitoba grown vegetables. We are year round suppliers of various vegetables as Manitoba growers have one of the most technologically advanced storage programs anywhere in North America.

The Canadian Biodiversity Information Network was developed in 1996 to deliver information on the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy and to serve as Canada’s national node to the global Clearing House Mechanism (CHM). The goal of CBIN is to increase public awareness about biodiversity and national level implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and to enhance information-sharing with partners and international Parties to the CBD. CBIN contains biodiversity-related information on a wide range of topics, including: Canadian activities to implement the CBD and the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy; Upcoming national and international meetings and events; What can you do to protect biodiversity Reference material; The Canadian Indigenous Biodiversity Information Network; Biodiversity News; Links to relevant organizations.

The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) is a non-profit trade association that promotes the appropriate development and application of all aspects of wind energy in Canada, including the creation of a suitable policy environment.

Dietitians of Canada (DC) is the nation-wide voice of dietitians - the most trusted source of information on food and nutrition for Canadians. DC brings the knowledge and skills of its members together to inform decisions that affect food, nutrition and health, with impact at the local, regional/provincial, national and international levels.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has been committed to wetland conservation for more than 70 years. Despite this, wetland loss continues across Canada. Up to 70 per cent of wetlands have disappeared in settled areas of the country.

The goal of the George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation is to enhance the effectiveness of people and organizations working together to help Canadians imagine and build a just, healthy and creative society.

Trees are a distinct part of habitat biodiversity. They sustain vibrant ecosystems that support wildlife populations and contribute significantly to bird, animal, plant, and insect diversity.

The Pembina Institute envisions a world in which our immediate and future needs are met in a manner that protects the earth’s living systems; ensures clean air, land and water; prevents dangerous climate change, and provides for a safe and just global community. Its Mission is to advance sustainable energy solutions through innovative research, education, consulting and advocacy.

 
Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) is a not-for-profit organization working in the Appalachian region of Virginia and Tennessee. Formed in 1995, ASD focuses on developing healthy, diverse and ecologically sound economic opportunities through education and training, and the development of cooperative networks and marketing systems. Our work encompasses two broad areas: Building a strong local food system based on organic and sustainable farming and fostering forest conservation through value-added wood processing and “green building.” ASD links consumers with farmers and producers and provides hands-on opportunities for learning, advocacy and civic engagement. We envision a future in which the natural quality and great diversity of our forests, land and waterways are protected through an economic life greatly diversified and locally controlled. We envision an economic life that respects the connectedness of the human and natural communities and a system in which economic decision-making is more inclusive, democratic and effective. We envision more meaningful work opportunities created through a fuller, sustainable use of our productive resources. And, we envision a renewed commitment to act responsibly towards people, community, cultures and the earth.
 

Find out about how transforming food culture can benefit your school. Learn about the awards scheme, link your work with national initiatives and read case studies from schools in your region. This booklet covers everything you’ll need to ensure the Food for Life Partnership works in your school.

Glynwood believes that the rural working landscape is one of civilization’s highest achievements—that a countryside featuring healthy pastures, productive crops, fruitful orchards, well-managed woodlots, and sturdy barns is aesthetically beautiful and emblematic of thriving communities.

Glynwood holds that communities are entitled to determine their futures—that, given appropriate tools, skills, and information, towns and counties will make sound decisions.

Glynwood maintains that farming done in harmony with the natural environment can be both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

Glynwood regards food produced, distributed, and consumed locally as beneficial to human health and community, and to the natural environment.

You are an integral part of nature; your fate is tightly linked with biodiversity, the huge variety of other animals and plants, the places they live and their surrounding environments, all over the world. You rely on this diversity of life to provide you with the food, fuel, medicine and other essentials you simply cannot live without. 

Sustainable Northwest helps people and communities restore and maintain ecological health, balance diverse interests, and promote economic opportunities. We’re headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Through collaboration, we bridge rural and urban interests, encourage entrepreneurship, and build trust in sustainable natural resource management and utilization in the western U.S.