Identifying Regional Opportunities for Local Production A project

Identifying Regional Opportunities for Local Production A project to develop a support strategy to identify on-farm growth opportunities in Ontario

“As we look to agricultural economic development, it is important to evaluate the potential for growth and improvements across the entire agricultural system. ” Agriculture Economic Development: A Resource Guide for Communities 2

Objectives A. Work directly with agri-food producers and regional groups to understand the challenges, barriers and opportunities for producer business development in Ontario B. Develop best practices from a regional perspective to support Ontario producers wishing to expand their business, increase revenue streams, and/or access new markets 3

How will it be done? 1 • Interviews with range of stakeholders in the agri-food sector including farm leadership, economic development and planning professionals, business development program managers, etc. 2 • Distribute online survey to Ontario farmers to gain a deeper understanding of barriers and opportunities for business development 3 • Conduct two workshops to develop recommendations for overcoming barriers and amplifying opportunities TODAY 4

Pre-meeting Survey Results Questions 9 – 12 were directly related to this project 5

Respondents • Ran from July 23 rd – July 31 st • 1, 213 responses Distribution: • 35% from Eastern ON • 59% Southwestern ON • 6% Northern ON 6

What strategies are you currently using to expand your farm business? (choose all that apply) A. Investing in latest production technologies B. Investing in on-farm, value-added processing equipment C. Accessing new markets D. Diversifying crop / livestock/ poultry production E. Expanding farm through purchase / rental or more land or construction of new barn space F. Intensifying production with existing land / barns G. We are not in a business expansion phase H. Other 7

At present, what strategies are you using or planning to use to develop and/or expand your farm business? 450 400 28% 350 300 18% 250 200 150 100 11% 13% 9% 4% 5% 50 0 Investing in Accessing new Adding a new Purchasing/ Adding Incorporating We are not in a Improving onmarkets crop/livestock renting more additional value-added business farm variety to land production on processing development efficiencies/ diversify my existing land phase equipment farm Other 8

What is the primary barrier you face when it comes to developing and/or expanding your business? A. Accessing labour B. Accessing capital C. Regulatory burden D. My region lacks necessary infrastructure E. Other 9

What are the primary barriers you face when it comes to developing and/or expanding your business? 300 21% 250 200 17% 16% 14% 13% 150 100 50 10% 6% 3% 0 I have difficulty Regulations Getting permits I don't have a My region lacks I have difficulty accessing labour don't allow me for what I want reliable market infrastructure accessing capital/ loans to do what I to do is difficult, or buyer in my training, want to do time consuming, region for what I extension or expensive want to do and/or support services Other 10

Does your regional government (e. g. County or Region) have specific programs in place to support agricultural business development? A. Yes B. No C. Not Sure 11

Within the last 15 years has the region/ county/ township where you farm supported economic development initiatives that enabled farmers to access new markets with either traditional or new agricultural products? Agri – tourism initiatives [VAL UE] NO 38% YES (Huron, Norfolk County, Promotion of Prince Edward County as ‘the new wine region’) Ethanol plant investments Accessing farmers markets and local co -ops 12

In your experience, has there been sufficient funding/ technical support available to enable the adoption of progressive agricultural production technologies? YES NO. . 32% 68% 13

What single political action do you believe would have the greatest positive impact on farm business development/ expansion where you farm? Some common responses: • Reduced taxes (property, capital gain, income…) • Fewer regulations (e. g. restrictions on land uses) • Infrastructure investments (natural gas, internet, transportation) • Preserve farmland • Trade agreements, market development • Less red tape • Streamlined review processes for permits, support programs • Funding (for various support programs, new farmers, investments…) 14

Which of the following 5 action items would be most effective in supporting agriculture business development at a regional level for you? A. Streamline regulations B. Create (or enhance) Agricultural Advisory and Liaison Committee C. Create a dedicated staff position at the regional government level D. Create a local business-to-business mentorship and networking program E. Review planning policies to ensure favorable conditions exist for business development 15

GROUP ACTIVITY At your table, share an example from your region of an initiative that supported farm business development. (E. g. a processing/distribution business, cooperation between farmers and other links in the value chain, an economic development project, a joint marketing project, a program that helped farmers in some way, etc. ) - What made this venture successful? - What lessons from this story could be relevant for other regions? - Choose one story to share with the group 16

GROUP ACTIVITY At your table, share a story of one individual in your community who has contributed to farm business development in a significant way in your region. (This could be anyone: farmer, business owner, municipal/regional/county staff person, OMAFRA/OSCIA, etc. ) - What characteristics about either this individual, or their position, has made them successful or helpful? - Compile a list of the positions and the valuable characteristics. Share with the group: a) position of the person (name optional), b) what actions they’ve taken that were valuable, c) what characteristics were key to their success 17

QUESTIONS? Feel free to contact us: Bronwynne Wilton Bronwynne@wiltongroup. ca 519 -265 -2830 18