This should benefit farmers in our region

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE INNOVATION CENTRE

************************* RAIN Symposium marries farming and research

SSMIC and NORDIK host two-day event on meeting the challenges of farming in Northern Ontario

(October 25, 2011) - The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) and the NORDIK Institute announced today that they will be hosting the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) Symposium on November 4 and 5 at Algoma University. The two-day event 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, including Sustainable Soil and Crop Productivity, Specialty Foods and Value-Added Products, and Healthy Food for Sustainable Communities. Featuring keynote speaker Ron Bonnett, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and local beef farmer, who will be presenting a view from local and international perspectives on the future of agriculture in Northern Ontario.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from [representatives of] the University of Guelph, the Northern Ontario Growth Plan, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, Lakehead University and the Food Security Research Network. “The symposium creates an opportunity to learn from food and agri-based production experts, producers and their support organizations. Discussions will result in a better understanding of production and other issues in northern Ontario and will lead to improved cooperation among those who can help address those issues,” says Errol Caldwell, research director with SSMIC. The RAIN Symposium is sponsored by the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie & Area, the University of Guelph, Algoma University, the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre and the NORDIK Institute. For more information or to register, visit here or contact Diana Medaglia, marketing and communications manager, at 705-942-7927, extension 3138 or by e-mail.

*************************