This update is designed to provide you with concise, up to date agricultural business information with links to where you can find the details.
This Issue:
- Business Strategy / Business Planning
- Financial Management
- Human Resources
- Risk Management
- Conferences, Workshops and Seminars
Business Strategy / Business Planning
Agri-Food Management Institute transferring resources to industry allies
Organisation winding down operations
After over ten years of serving the agri-food sector in Ontario, the Agri-Food Management Institute (AMI) will be transferring its resources to industry allies and winding down its operations as a result of changes to its funding structure.
Farm Management Canada will take over the hosting of AMI’s online business management tools, resources and workshops so they can continue to provide value to farmers. Food Processing Skills Canada will be the new host of the online management tools for processors.
Financial Management
Farm Financial Difficulty
Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Ontario producers who are experiencing financial difficulty may qualify to access advisory services to complete a Farm Financial Assessment at no cost. The Farm Financial Assessment provides a review of the farm business’s past financial performance, provides an analysis of the current business climate, develops objectives and identifies options to meet profitability and sustainability goals.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) staff will determine a farm business’s eligibility under this financial difficulty provision on a case-by-case basis. For more information, either contact the AICC at 1-877-424-1300 or Robb Wagner at (519) 826-3235.
New Social Finance Fund Supports Local Food and Farm Sector
The Fair Finance Fund fills the gap for investors and entrepreneurs from seed to supper. The Fair Finance Fund is proud to announce the launch of a new social finance fund for the local food and farm sector. The FFF is now fully operational, ready to receive applications and making a splash with impact investors. The FFF lends to social entrepreneurs across the food system who have demonstrable social and environmental benefits as well as a viable business. Every penny invested goes directly to loans. This innovative fund supports the future of local food in Ontario, from seed to supper.
Human Resources
New Study: Exploring the Connection between Mental Health and Farm Business Management
We know our farmers are incredibly stressed, and we know that stress and fatigue can have negative effects on making informed business decisions.
Through ground-breaking research, Farm Management Canada seeks to further explore factors influencing mental health, and how we can support mental health through business management, support business management through mental health, and the critical path forward. We further seek to explore whether demographic differences exist between regions, production sectors, gender and age, and steps we can take to meet these individual needs.
We anticipate the study will involve a mixture of qualitative and quantitative primary research methodologies including interviews, focus groups, case studies and surveys. To avoid duplication of efforts and maximize resources, we are reaching out to those already working in this space in Canada and abroad to help inform the scope, format and content of our study.
Anyone interested in being involved is encouraged to contact:
Denise.Rollin@fmc-gac.com 1-888-232-3262 ext. 32.
Agricultural Employees Protection Act, 2002
Updated OMAFRA Factsheet Order#: 19-001
- The Agricultural Employees Protection Act, 2002 (AEPA) came into force on June 17, 2003.
- If you own a farm or work on a farm you need to know about the AEPA.
- You can view, download and print a copy of the Act by visiting e-laws at ontario.ca/laws.
What is the purpose of the Agricultural Employees Protection Act, 2002 (AEPA)?
The AEPA protects the rights of agricultural employees to associate. It also recognizes certain rights of employers and the unique characteristics of agricultural production.
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/facts/19-001.htm
Risk Management
Create your Agrishield®
AgriShield® is the first Canadian platform to offer a 360o way to assess and manage risks on the farm.
The platform covers 6 risk families including People, Finance, Market, Business Management, Business Environment and Production, and breaks those down into 19 risk categories. Each of these risk categories, including Personal Well-Being, Hired Labour, Money Management, Sourcing, Selling & Trade, Environment & Climate, Pest & Disease Management, is further broken down into risk scenarios with best management practices and helpful resources. These resources include a variety of options, from government programs to industry tools, to processes and procedures for
farmers to take a proactive approach to managing risk.
Get started today at www.myagrishield.ca!
Conferences, Workshops and Seminars
OMAFRA Dateline is an online resource for use by interested individuals and organizations across Ontario. Events may be hosted by OMAFRA or other groups. The events posted on this site are aimed at sharing information of interest to agriculture and regional economic development clients. Please check the calendar regularly for upcoming events, workshops, conferences and meetings.
CAP Workshops & Webinars
A variety of excellent workshops and webinars are offered at no cost by OSCIA as part of Canadian Agricultural Partnership to assist Ontario farm businesses in identifying strengths and weaknesses in a variety of areas that influence the farm’s profitability, productivity and sustainability. The workshops and webinars each have a different focus and different goals.
FCC Events
Make the most of your farm business
Practical tools, new perspectives and breakthrough moments – expand your ag knowledge at a free FCC learning event. We bring the best minds in agriculture to communities across Canada to inform, inspire and help you get the most from your business.
AGRI Tech Venture Forum
The AGRI Tech Venture Forum is an annual event that serves as a converging point for the global agriculture-technology elite. Industry giants, investors, accelerators, and innovators provide insight on the latest sector headwinds, technology milestones, and key challenges facing the future of agriculture-technology.
May 15, 2019
Marriott Downtown at CF Eaton Centre
525 Bay St.
Toronto, ON M5G 2L2
CAFA’s Farm Management Update
Thursday, June 6
The Elm Hurst Inn, Ingersoll
Speakers covering timely topics relevant to working with farm families and businesses including: agri-economic outlook, farm data ownership, leadership effectiveness for profitability, Bill 47 on labour and employment rules, social media for business professionals, disruptive technologies, oil and gas in Ontario and a talk with Ryan Sher, producer of Before the Plate. Unique in-person networking & business building opportunity for farm advisors. Earns 7.5 CAFA® CPD credits, 5 FPSC® CPD credits.
Details at www.cafanet.ca
International Cash Crop Conference – Global Forum
Exploring Canada’s Competitive Edge: How Do We Stack Up?
June 26-27, 2019
Radisson Hotel Downtown,
Winnipeg, Manitoba
In today’s global economy, farmers must look beyond the fencepost to gain much-needed insights into how to maintain a competitive position in the global marketplace. agri benchmark is a non-profit global network of 60 agricultural economists from 50+ international partner institutions working closely with farmers and consultants provide international insights into the strength and weaknesses of farmers across the globe.
We invite you to join us to discuss Canada’s position and opportunities for growth and continued prosperity.
Register here: globalcashcropconference2019.eventbrite.ca
Agricultural Excellence Conference (AgEx)
Farm Management Canada
Cultivating Resilience
The theme Cultivating Resilience focuses on building the capacity for you and your farm to weather any storm and seize opportunity.
December 2-4 2019
Fredericton, New Brunswick
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Questions or Comments: contact the editor, John Molenhuis at john.molenhuis@ontario.ca
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