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Agri-Food Forum

Brant Farms for All logo

The County of Brant hosted the 14th annual 2022 Municipal Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Forum on November 2nd and 3rd, 2022. 

This year’s theme was 'Tradition, Innovation and Regeneration'. At the forum, attendees explored County of Brant farms and agricultural businesses that embrace technology, new crops, entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship. 

View event details below. 

Event Schedule

DateTimeDetails
Wednesday, November 2, 2022 9:30 am to 8:00 pm Bus tour of County of Brant Farms and Operations
Thursday, November 3, 2022 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

The 2022 Agri-Food Forum 

Agenda (PDF)

Speaker Biographies (PDF)

Bus Tour Destinations 

Kevin Hodge Farms

Corn, soybeans, kidney beans, cranberry beans and ginseng on 1,900-acres in Southern Brant. Diversification has been an important part of Kevin’s business plan and over the past few years has planted a hazelnut orchard as well houses a grain elevator on his farm. Kevin is Chair of the Ontario Hazelnut Association and the County of Brant Agricultural Advisory Committee and is also an instructor for Conestoga’s Agricultural Equipment Operator Pilot Program.

Slaman’s Quality Flowers

Slaman’s Quality Flowers - For three generations, Slaman’s Quality Flowers has been providing premium quality lisianthus and chrysanthemum flowers year-round. Explore their new state-of-the-art greenhouse located south of Burford which utilizes the latest in sustainable production technologies.

Lunch - The Windmill Country Market 

The Windmill Country Market is famous for it’s deli, bakery, and wide variety of local and international grocery products. 

On the Bus Presentation - On-farm diversified use policies 

In rural Ontario, many family farmers are diversifying their land uses to create additional revenue streams to assist agriculture viability. On-farm diversified use policies in rural municipalities allows farmers to create both agriculture related and non-agriculture businesses. An OMAFRA-funded research study at the University of Guelph explores the best practices and lessons learned for municipal and agricultural stakeholders to ensure both agriculture and on-farm diversification can thrive and co-exist. Join researchers Pam Duesling (County of Brant), Emily Sousa (OFA), and Dr. Wayne Caldwell to learn more about how to balance on-farm diversified uses with farmland preservation.

Steelwheel Brewery 

Since 2015, Harold Kuret and Cindy Blair have grown a variety of hops on their property, located on the outskirts of the County of Brant at 105 Powerline Road. In addition to growing their own ingredients, Steel Wheel Brewery emphasizes sourcing local ingredients and employing local residents. Set in a unique, fully renovated 1890’s farmhouse, Steel Wheel Brewery features a comfortable tasting room and an adjacent outdoor patio where patrons are invited to try a variety of small-batch brews.

Brantview Apples & Cider/Howell Road Cider Company

Brantview Apples & Cider is an eighth generation Apple Orchard in the County of Brant. The orchard grows 20 varieties of apples and pears.  The scratch bakery produces apple cider donuts, pies, crisps and other delicious baked goods. Fresh Apple cider and a variety of other apple products are available in the Apple Shed. Also operating on the farm is Howell Road Cider Company which produces small batch Craft Cider using cider pressed from apples grown at our orchard. 

Dinner - Juniper Dining Co.

Juniper Dining Co. offers a unique and delicious dining experience in a modern, fine dining atmosphere, featuring quality and seasonal ingredients. Special seasonal menu for attendees. 

Dinner - Evening Speaker - "Spicy" Jan Vilaca

View the Tasty Road Trips and Spicy Jan's bio here. 

Agriculture in the County of Brant 

 Sector Information
Agriculture is one of the largest sectors in the County of Brant and is a fundamental staple of the community. One of the County of Brant's Economic Development divisions strategic goals in the industry is to further support this sector through education, tools for diversification and leveraging off opportunities including agri-tourism and direct selling to the public. Learn more on the Key Sectors webpage.
 On-Farm Diversified Uses

The County of Brant has recently updated our land-use policies to allow farmers to diversify agricultural areas throughout the community. Learn more on the Key Sectors webpage.

 Brant Farms for All 

Brant Farms for All is the brand that represents Agri-Marketing in the County of Brant. The Brant Farms for All brand has been used in a series of agriculture workshops in the County of Brant promoting on farm diversified uses. As well, the branding is featured in the County of Brant Farm and Market Guide, promoting local markets. 

If you are driving around the County of Brant, you may also see a number of these signs in front of agri-businesses. As agriculture is one of the largest industries in the County of Brant, promoting local shopping and supporting local farmers is of paramount importance. 

 Conestoga College's Agriculture Equipment Operator Program

The County of Brant and Conestoga College have collaborated on a number of initiatives related to agriculture in the County of which, including establishing the Agriculture Equipment Operator program operating in the County of Brant at Conestoga's airport campus. This 16 week program give students the skills to succeed in the industry of agriculture and offers significant hands-on experience in safely performing basic machine maintenance and operation of various pieces of agricultural equipment.

Learn more about the Conestoga's Agricultural Equipment Operator program

 County of Brant Farm and Market Guide 

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Pynx Logo  Conestoga College logo   Temiskaming Shores logo

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