On this page, you'll find all the links and documents related to the Food and Agriculture Economic Development Forum held on March 5th, 2019. This event brought together stakeholders from all corners of Haliburton County's food sector to discuss the local food system and identify strategies to help it thrive.
The Reports
We are pleased to share with you the follow-up reports from the day. We know that these are busy times for Haliburton County's food sector, so we've produced two versions of the Forum Report: a full report with details about the day's agenda and how the event was created, and a second report that includes just the outcomes and action plan that resulted from the event. Please download either of the reports here:
Food and Agriculture Economic Development Forum Full Report
Food and Agriculture Economic Development Forum Action Plan
HH is also very pleased to share the results of the work done by Faye Adamson and Kate Hall who took a close look at agriculture and food production in Haliburton County and compared it to what the Census of Agriculture has to say. That report can be downloaded here:
Food and Agriculture in Haliburton County: Looking Beyond the Census
Many thanks to the Haliburton County Development Corporation's Local Initiatives Program for generously supporting the dissemination of these reports.
The Ignite Presentations
The Forum ignited with 16 brief presentations highlighting many of the food and agriculture assets and resources available in Haliburton County. We are grateful to Kim Curran of the HKPR Health Unit for video recording the Ignite sessions during the Forum's morning program. Links to each of the presentations can be found below:
Abbey Gardens - Heather Reid
In this 4-minute video Heather Reid, Operations Director with Abbey Gardens shares the dreams and challenges of converting a gravel pit into a food hub and much more to support the local economy. Abbey Garden’s goal is to be a place to demonstrate, experiment, support research, support local efforts and education around food.
Ontario Federation of Agriculture - Danielle Collins
In this 4-minute video Danielle Collins, Economic Development Policy Analyst with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture outlines the value of economic development for agriculture in Ontario. She also describes the large number of resources available to support food and agricultural economic development. Link to OFA resources mentioned in Danielle's presentation here.
Haliburton County Farmers' Association - Shane Dykstra
In this 6-minute video, Shane Dykstra, Vice-President of Haliburton County Farmers’ Association provides a brief and entertaining overview of the challenges, and benefits of the Farmers Association.
Haliburton County Farmers' Market Association - Faye Adamson
In this 4 ½ minute video, Faye Adamson, Market Manager with Haliburton County Farmers’ Market shares a 10-year historical briefing of the farmers’ market plus the economic benefits.
Food Tourism and County Haliburton - Mike Rutter and Amanda Virtanen
In this 5-minute video, Mike Rutter, CAO/County Clerk and Amanda Virtanen, Director of Tourism for County of Haliburton describe the importance of food and culinary tourism at the county level. Strategies and events involving food are highlighted along with marketing plans.
Haliburton County Garlic Growers Association - Deb Barnhart
In this 4-minute video, Deb Barnhart, Chair of the Haliburton County Garlic Growers Association passionately shares how growing and selling garlic can be a viable business.
Graham's Farm Market - Andrew Graham
In this 3-minute video, Andrew Graham, owner and operator of Graham’s Farm Market shares his experience with farming on the Graham homestead. He provides great advice on what is required to support a local farm in Haliburton County.
Food And Agriculture in Haliburton County: Looking Beyond the Census - Kate Hall
In this 4 ½ minute video, Kate Hall, Research Consultant describes the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs County Profile data for agriculture, food and businesses. She highlights some of the key findings from the food and agriculture census data for Haliburton County. Plus, she explains why Harvest Haliburton contracted her and Faye Adamson to look beyond the census data by carrying out focus groups with key stakeholders to paint a true picture of food and agriculture for Haliburton County.
Harvest Haliburton - Rosie Kadwell
In this 6-minute video, Rosie Kadwell, Chair of Harvest Haliburton provides a historical overview as well as the mandate and goals of Harvest Haliburton.
SIRCH Community Services - Gena Robertson
In this 5-minute video, Gena Robertson, Executive Director of SIRCH, raises awareness around food insecurity and outlines the programs and training they provide to increase employment opportunities.
Rhubarb Restaurant and Boshkung Bewing Co. Ltd. - Lila Sweet
In this 5-minute video, Lila Sweet, employee of Rhubarb, talks about the value of serving and sourcing local food and the demand for procuring more. Rhubarb is the only restaurant in Haliburton County to have achieved the Ontario Culinary Alliance Feast ON Designation.
Fresh @ Killara Station - Randy MacDonald
Randy MacDonald, Owner and Operator of Fresh @ Killara Station was one of the presenters. In this 5 ½ minute video Randy outlines the niche businesses he and his wife are operating on their farm.
HCDC - Autumn Wilson
In this 2 ½ minute video, Autumn Wilson, Program & Operations Coordinator with Haliburton County Development Corporation shares all the services, grants and loans available to support local businesses.
OMAFRA - Catherine Oosterbaan
Catherine Oosterbaan, Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) was one the ignite speakers and outlines her role, the resources and specialists available at the agriculture information contact centre to assist food producers and processors.
OMAFRA - Jocelyn Beatty
Jocelyn Beatty, Rural Planner with OMAFRA was one of the ignite speakers and in this brief video she outlines the role of the rural planner in protecting agricultural lands. She also discussed resources and guidance documents that can assist municipalities when developing land use policies. Link to OMAFRA's Agricultural Land Use guidelines and resources here .
U-Links - Larry Clarke
In this video, Larry Clarke, Co-Chair with U-Links explains the history and role of U-Links, and the benefits of community-based research.
The Forum ignited with 16 brief presentations highlighting many of the food and agriculture assets and resources available in Haliburton County. We are grateful to Kim Curran of the HKPR Health Unit for video recording the Ignite sessions during the Forum's morning program. Links to each of the presentations can be found below:
Abbey Gardens - Heather Reid
In this 4-minute video Heather Reid, Operations Director with Abbey Gardens shares the dreams and challenges of converting a gravel pit into a food hub and much more to support the local economy. Abbey Garden’s goal is to be a place to demonstrate, experiment, support research, support local efforts and education around food.
Ontario Federation of Agriculture - Danielle Collins
In this 4-minute video Danielle Collins, Economic Development Policy Analyst with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture outlines the value of economic development for agriculture in Ontario. She also describes the large number of resources available to support food and agricultural economic development. Link to OFA resources mentioned in Danielle's presentation here.
Haliburton County Farmers' Association - Shane Dykstra
In this 6-minute video, Shane Dykstra, Vice-President of Haliburton County Farmers’ Association provides a brief and entertaining overview of the challenges, and benefits of the Farmers Association.
Haliburton County Farmers' Market Association - Faye Adamson
In this 4 ½ minute video, Faye Adamson, Market Manager with Haliburton County Farmers’ Market shares a 10-year historical briefing of the farmers’ market plus the economic benefits.
Food Tourism and County Haliburton - Mike Rutter and Amanda Virtanen
In this 5-minute video, Mike Rutter, CAO/County Clerk and Amanda Virtanen, Director of Tourism for County of Haliburton describe the importance of food and culinary tourism at the county level. Strategies and events involving food are highlighted along with marketing plans.
Haliburton County Garlic Growers Association - Deb Barnhart
In this 4-minute video, Deb Barnhart, Chair of the Haliburton County Garlic Growers Association passionately shares how growing and selling garlic can be a viable business.
Graham's Farm Market - Andrew Graham
In this 3-minute video, Andrew Graham, owner and operator of Graham’s Farm Market shares his experience with farming on the Graham homestead. He provides great advice on what is required to support a local farm in Haliburton County.
Food And Agriculture in Haliburton County: Looking Beyond the Census - Kate Hall
In this 4 ½ minute video, Kate Hall, Research Consultant describes the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs County Profile data for agriculture, food and businesses. She highlights some of the key findings from the food and agriculture census data for Haliburton County. Plus, she explains why Harvest Haliburton contracted her and Faye Adamson to look beyond the census data by carrying out focus groups with key stakeholders to paint a true picture of food and agriculture for Haliburton County.
Harvest Haliburton - Rosie Kadwell
In this 6-minute video, Rosie Kadwell, Chair of Harvest Haliburton provides a historical overview as well as the mandate and goals of Harvest Haliburton.
SIRCH Community Services - Gena Robertson
In this 5-minute video, Gena Robertson, Executive Director of SIRCH, raises awareness around food insecurity and outlines the programs and training they provide to increase employment opportunities.
Rhubarb Restaurant and Boshkung Bewing Co. Ltd. - Lila Sweet
In this 5-minute video, Lila Sweet, employee of Rhubarb, talks about the value of serving and sourcing local food and the demand for procuring more. Rhubarb is the only restaurant in Haliburton County to have achieved the Ontario Culinary Alliance Feast ON Designation.
Fresh @ Killara Station - Randy MacDonald
Randy MacDonald, Owner and Operator of Fresh @ Killara Station was one of the presenters. In this 5 ½ minute video Randy outlines the niche businesses he and his wife are operating on their farm.
HCDC - Autumn Wilson
In this 2 ½ minute video, Autumn Wilson, Program & Operations Coordinator with Haliburton County Development Corporation shares all the services, grants and loans available to support local businesses.
OMAFRA - Catherine Oosterbaan
Catherine Oosterbaan, Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) was one the ignite speakers and outlines her role, the resources and specialists available at the agriculture information contact centre to assist food producers and processors.
OMAFRA - Jocelyn Beatty
Jocelyn Beatty, Rural Planner with OMAFRA was one of the ignite speakers and in this brief video she outlines the role of the rural planner in protecting agricultural lands. She also discussed resources and guidance documents that can assist municipalities when developing land use policies. Link to OMAFRA's Agricultural Land Use guidelines and resources here .
U-Links - Larry Clarke
In this video, Larry Clarke, Co-Chair with U-Links explains the history and role of U-Links, and the benefits of community-based research.
The Keynote Presentations
Our keynote presenters, OMAFRA's Chief Economist Steve Duff, and OMAFRA Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor Heather Candler were kind enough to share their slide presentations. Please download these presentations below:
Food, Agriculture, and Economic Opportunities in Haliburton County - Steve Duff
Agriculture Economic Development - Heather Candler
Several Forum participants requested the link to OMAFRA's Resource Guide that was the focus of Heather's presentation. The link is provided below:
OMAFRA's Agriculture Economic Development - A Resource Guide for Communities
Links to other documents and resources mentioned in Steve's and Heather's presentations can be found below:
Renting Your Land Sustainably
Lease Agreements
Strategic Planning Guide
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
Farm Link - Matchmaking Farmers and Farm Seekers
Our keynote presenters, OMAFRA's Chief Economist Steve Duff, and OMAFRA Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor Heather Candler were kind enough to share their slide presentations. Please download these presentations below:
Food, Agriculture, and Economic Opportunities in Haliburton County - Steve Duff
Agriculture Economic Development - Heather Candler
Several Forum participants requested the link to OMAFRA's Resource Guide that was the focus of Heather's presentation. The link is provided below:
OMAFRA's Agriculture Economic Development - A Resource Guide for Communities
Links to other documents and resources mentioned in Steve's and Heather's presentations can be found below:
Renting Your Land Sustainably
Lease Agreements
Strategic Planning Guide
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
Farm Link - Matchmaking Farmers and Farm Seekers
The Photos
We are grateful to Stephen Dow for capturing the day in the photographs below.
We are grateful to Stephen Dow for capturing the day in the photographs below.
Read the media coverage of the Forum here:
Minden Times: Food and agriculture forum feeds passion by Sue Tiffin (click to access)
Minden Times: Growing forward together by Sue Tiffin (click to access)
Ontario Farmer: Haliburton Goes Big by Suzanne Atkinson
(click here to view pdf)
Highlander: Food promoted as part of a healthy economy by Lisa Gervais
(click here to view pdf)
Minden Times: Food and agriculture forum feeds passion by Sue Tiffin (click to access)
Minden Times: Growing forward together by Sue Tiffin (click to access)
Ontario Farmer: Haliburton Goes Big by Suzanne Atkinson
(click here to view pdf)
Highlander: Food promoted as part of a healthy economy by Lisa Gervais
(click here to view pdf)
The Presenters and Facilitators
We heartily thank our Keynote Speakers and Event Facilitators, who did a great job providing valuable information and keeping the discussion lively:
Heather Candler - Agriculture and Rural Economic Advisor with OMAFRA:
Heather Candler works with rural communities and organizations on community economic development and innovative agricultural initiatives. Heather has worked in economic development for over 20 years with the private, public and not for profit sectors. She holds both an M.Sc. in Rural Planning & Development from the University of Guelph and a B.A. from Carleton University.
Stephen Duff - OMAFRA's Chief Economist:
Coming from a dairy and beef background in Northumberland County, Steve completed a Masters in Ag. Economics from the University of Guelph in 1996. Steve joined OMAFRA in late 1997 after a year as a policy researcher with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Steve is an adjunct professor in agricultural economics at the University of Guelph. Steve and his wife Robyn also operate a beef and cash crop operation near Colborne Ontario.
Lisa Tolentino - Facilitator & Healthy Communities Consultant
Lisa has worked within the health, social, economic and environmental sectors doing community development and capacity building for over 25 years. Through her professional and volunteer capacities, she has conducted research, planning, policy development, community engagement, facilitation, consultation and collaboration on food issues both locally and across Ontario. Lisa presently lives with her family in the Haliburton Highlands, where she likes to grow, prepare and of course eat local food.
Catherine Oosterbaan - Agriculture and Rural Economic Advisor with OMAFRA:
Catherine Oosterbaan joined OMAFRA in 2015 as an Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor serving Haliburton County, Simcoe County, and Muskoka District. In this role she supports rural communities and organizations to identify, implement and measure economic development activities. Catherine holds graduate degrees in both Geography and Local Economic Development and is a Certified Economic Developer with the Economic Development Association of Canada and the International Economic Development Council.
Amanda Virtanen - Director of Tourism, Haliburton County:
Amanda Virtanen is the County of Haliburton’s director of tourism. She also chairs the boards of the Culinary Tourism Alliance and Ontario’s Highlands. Amanda has over two decades of experience in marketing and branding for international companies.
Jocelyn Beatty - Rural Planner with OMAFRA:
Jocelyn Beatty is one of five Rural Planners with OMAFRA, and has been in this position since October 2016. In her role she provides support in interpreting provincial policies relating to prime agricultural areas, covering both the Northwest and Central East regions of Ontario. Before coming to the Ministry, Jocelyn worked at Long Point Region Conservation Authority and has experience developing research projects that have looked at food insecurity in small communities as well as Indigenous participation in collaborative land use planning.
Andrew von Zuben - Owner and Operator of Bedrock and Brambles:
Andrew von Zuben is building a small-scale diverse family farm with his wife Kira and their three children. Andrew’s small business, Bedrock & Brambles, offers Gold-Laced Wyandotte heritage chickens, registered Nigerian Dwarf goats, organic livestock feeds, alternative agriculture consulting, and hands-on workshops meant to inspire people to grow and process their own food. Andrew is also active in community development volunteer work including Harvest Haliburton, Haliburton Culinary Tourism Taskforce, and the Highlands East Environment Committee.
We heartily thank our Keynote Speakers and Event Facilitators, who did a great job providing valuable information and keeping the discussion lively:
Heather Candler - Agriculture and Rural Economic Advisor with OMAFRA:
Heather Candler works with rural communities and organizations on community economic development and innovative agricultural initiatives. Heather has worked in economic development for over 20 years with the private, public and not for profit sectors. She holds both an M.Sc. in Rural Planning & Development from the University of Guelph and a B.A. from Carleton University.
Stephen Duff - OMAFRA's Chief Economist:
Coming from a dairy and beef background in Northumberland County, Steve completed a Masters in Ag. Economics from the University of Guelph in 1996. Steve joined OMAFRA in late 1997 after a year as a policy researcher with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Steve is an adjunct professor in agricultural economics at the University of Guelph. Steve and his wife Robyn also operate a beef and cash crop operation near Colborne Ontario.
Lisa Tolentino - Facilitator & Healthy Communities Consultant
Lisa has worked within the health, social, economic and environmental sectors doing community development and capacity building for over 25 years. Through her professional and volunteer capacities, she has conducted research, planning, policy development, community engagement, facilitation, consultation and collaboration on food issues both locally and across Ontario. Lisa presently lives with her family in the Haliburton Highlands, where she likes to grow, prepare and of course eat local food.
Catherine Oosterbaan - Agriculture and Rural Economic Advisor with OMAFRA:
Catherine Oosterbaan joined OMAFRA in 2015 as an Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor serving Haliburton County, Simcoe County, and Muskoka District. In this role she supports rural communities and organizations to identify, implement and measure economic development activities. Catherine holds graduate degrees in both Geography and Local Economic Development and is a Certified Economic Developer with the Economic Development Association of Canada and the International Economic Development Council.
Amanda Virtanen - Director of Tourism, Haliburton County:
Amanda Virtanen is the County of Haliburton’s director of tourism. She also chairs the boards of the Culinary Tourism Alliance and Ontario’s Highlands. Amanda has over two decades of experience in marketing and branding for international companies.
Jocelyn Beatty - Rural Planner with OMAFRA:
Jocelyn Beatty is one of five Rural Planners with OMAFRA, and has been in this position since October 2016. In her role she provides support in interpreting provincial policies relating to prime agricultural areas, covering both the Northwest and Central East regions of Ontario. Before coming to the Ministry, Jocelyn worked at Long Point Region Conservation Authority and has experience developing research projects that have looked at food insecurity in small communities as well as Indigenous participation in collaborative land use planning.
Andrew von Zuben - Owner and Operator of Bedrock and Brambles:
Andrew von Zuben is building a small-scale diverse family farm with his wife Kira and their three children. Andrew’s small business, Bedrock & Brambles, offers Gold-Laced Wyandotte heritage chickens, registered Nigerian Dwarf goats, organic livestock feeds, alternative agriculture consulting, and hands-on workshops meant to inspire people to grow and process their own food. Andrew is also active in community development volunteer work including Harvest Haliburton, Haliburton Culinary Tourism Taskforce, and the Highlands East Environment Committee.
The Sponsors and Supporters
Many thanks to our wonderful local sponsors and supporters, without whom we could not have held such a successful event.
Harvest Haliburton is a project of the Haliburton County Community Cooperative.
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