Note that registrations are now also available for either Friday ($20) or Saturday ($30) sessions. Those wishing to register by phone can call 705-942-7927 ext. 3138 (Diana)

The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre and NORDIK Institute are hosting an Agriculture and Agri-Food Symposium on November 4th and 5th at Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie. The symposium aims to create opportunities for collaboration between farmers in Northern Ontario and researchers in the agricultural sector. The symposium will feature applicable workshops for local farmers and researchers alike; some include Sustaining Soil and Crop Productivity, Specialty Foods and Value-Added Products, and Healthy Food for Sustainable Communities. For the full agenda see below.

 This event is sponsored by the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste Marie, the University of Guelph, Algoma University, Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre and NORDIK Institute.

Accommodation

For those coming from out of town, a block of rooms has been reserved at the Watertower Inn until October 13. Room rates are $101.00 for single and $111.00 for double occupancy. Call 1-800-461-0800 and mention the Algoma University Group Block to reserve. The Watertower Inn is located at 386 Great Northern Rd.

Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Symposium 2011 

Algoma University

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Friday November 4

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Registration and light Buffet Dinner/Mixer – Speakeasy Lounge – a feast featuring locally-produced and traditional Anishinaabe foods

 Welcome and opening prayer by Anishinaabe Elder

6:30 – 6:45 p.m. Welcome and Introductions – Great West Life Amphitheatre – Mr. Errol Caldwell moderator

- VP Academic and Research, Algoma University

- Prof. Rich Moccia, Associate VP Research, U. Guelph

6:45 – 7:00 p.m. Overview of Symposium Objectives – “RAIN and Community engagement in environmentally and economically sustainable production of locally grown foods and value added products in Northern Ontario” Dr. Gayle Broad

7:00 – 7:45 p.m., Keynote Speaker:

Mr. Ron Bonnett, President Canadian Federation of Agriculture and local beef farmer – The Future of Agriculture in Northern Ontario – A view from local and international perspectives (includes question period)

7:45 p.m. Bio-break

8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.  Policy and Programs to Grow Agricultural Capacity in the North:

Session Moderator, Errol Caldwell, Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre -

15 minutes for each presentation with time for questions

1)      OMAFRA Guelph Partnership – Rich Moccia

2)      Northern Ontario Growth Plan – Agriculture and related areas – Mary Ellen Norry Car, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs

3)      Northern Ontario Foods and Food Systems – Dr. Connie Nelson, Lakehead U. and Food Security Research Network

9:30 p.m. Adjourn for the evening (informal networking opportunity)

Saturday, November 5^th

 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.  Registration and Continental Breakfast in the Speakeasy Lounge

8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks:

 - Brief Review of the objectives of the Rural Agriculture Innovation Network – Errol Caldwell

- Overview of NSERC Research Partnership Programs – Tibor Turi – Manager, NSERC Ontario Regional Office

Panel Presentations and Discussions

There will be three, fifteen - minute presentations in each session, with 15 minutes at the end for discussion and questions

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Sustaining Soil and Crop Productivity – Session Moderator, Dr. Rene Van Acker, U. Guelph

1)      Soil Health in Agroecosystems– Dr. Kari Dunfield, U. of Guelph

2)      Manipulating the Soil Microbial Community for Rhizofortification– Dr. Pedro Antunes

3)      Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management– John Lauzon, U. Guelph

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Crop Trials With Reference to Northern Ontario – Session Moderator, Dr. Rene Van Acker, U. of Guelph

1)      U. Guelph and Northern Ontario Crop Trials – John Rowsell, Head, Northern Stations, University of Guelph

2)      Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Station – Dr. Tarlok Sahota

3)      New Crop Varieties for a “Northern” Climate –  Dr. Duane Falk, cereal breeder

11:00 – 11:15 a.m.  Bio-break

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.  Specialty Foods and Value-Added Products

1)      Non Timber Forest Products – Northeast Superior Community Forest – Clara Lauziere

2)      Apiculture - Pollination Services; A Unique Challenge – Les Eccles, Ontario Beekeepers' Association

3)      Artisan Cheese – Establishment and Production Challenges and Opportunities – Ruth Klahsen, Monforte Dairy

12:15 – 1:30 p.m.

Buffet Style Lunch featuring locally grown produce (produce supplied by the Algoma Food Network)

Buffet to be served in the Foyer of the new Biosciences and Technology Convergence Centre at Algoma University

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Livestock Production in Northern Ontario

1)      Grazing cattle and meat quality – Ira Mandell U. of Guelph

2)      Penokean Hills Farms – Katie Filion

3)      Sheep and Goat Production and Report on Algoma Research – David Thompson, NORDIK Institute

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. - Healthy Food for Sustainable Communities – Session Moderator, David Thompson, NORDIK Institute:

1)      Food Deserts – Dr. Nairne Cameron, Algoma U.

2)      Algoma Food Network – Meeting Local Market Demands – Birgitt Kroll

3)      An overview of Urban Agriculture initiatives in North America – Karen Landman, U. of Guelph

3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.  Bio-Break

3:45 – 4:45 p.m.  Other Challenges and Opportunities

1)      Farming for and by First Nations – Jamie Hall, Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario

2)      Aquaculture R&D– Prof. Rich Moccia U. of Guelph

3)      Challenges in Building and Expanding an Aquaculture Business – Mike Meeker

4:45 – 5:00 p.m.   Closing Remarks, recognition of Sponsors, Speakers, and Adjournment of Symposium