Agri-Food Forum

Accommodations will be provided at the TownPlace Suites Brantford and Conference Centre

The group rate for the conference will be $139 CAD

Last day to book is Saturday, October 1, 2022. 

Book your group rate for the County of Brant

Agri-Food Forum Schedule 

9:00 am: Opening Remarks

9:30 am: Brock Dickinson

10:30 am: Session 1: Workforce

• Learn how workforce challenges are affecting the agricultural sector. This session will include examples of projects, incentives, policies and bylaws that address agricultural workforce challenges and build awareness of current workforce programs and resources.

12:10 pm: Lunch

1:00 pm: Session 2: Agriculture, Environment and Partnerships

• Explore sustainable agriculture programs which work to minimize impacts on the natural environment, maintain basic natural resources such as healthy soil, clean water, and clean air and support viable agricultural systems in rural communities.

2:25 pm: Session 3: Agriculture Systems

• Participants will improve their understanding of an agriculture system. They will be able to identify the benefits/importance of incorporating ag systems 

About Brock Dickinson, keynote speaker

• Brock Dickinson is an Assistant Director of the Economic Development Program at the University of Waterloo, and has worked in local economic development for 25 years. He is currently the Entrepreneur in Residence and an Adjunct Professor with the University.

• In his How to Thrive in a Time of War, Disease, Inflation and Supply Chain Collapse address, Brock takes a look at the sometimes frightening world of tomorrow, and how we can position our businesses and our communities for success in this dangerous new reality. This session will surprise, alarm and enlighten – but as always, Brock promises a few laughs along the way! 

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