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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2009-12-10, Page 16The Huron-Perth Farm to Tablecommittee, in partnership with theHuron Business Development Corporation, has successfully received money from the Ontario Market Investment Fund to support a year-long farmer and market capacity building project in Huron and Perth Counties. The Opportunities Project will work to fulfill the following goals by: • Building producer capacity through farmer training in the marketing and production of local foodstuffs; • Development of a small scale incubator kitchen; • Launch of 3 new farmers’ markets in the area and the establishment of a farmers’ market association for Huron- Perth; • Creation of a virtual hub that will act as a point of communication and collaboration for food groups in the bi-county area; • Increase consumer awareness though education and promotion of local food; • Expansion of the Good Food Box program. “We hope that local farmers and processors will get involved in the opportunities this project will create and provide continuous feedback and suggestions for the project,” says Joan Brady, the Opportunities Project Co-ordinator. “We want this project to be farmer and community- driven.” The purpose of this project is to establish Huron-Perth Farm to Table as the go to organization for all things food-related within the two rural Counties; to increase awareness and support for local foods; and to educate consumers about the benefits of purchasing locally-grown products including the positive effects on the local economy, the long-term health benefits, the sustainability of the environment, and the many advantages to the community through the consumption of local foods. “It’s really important that we support our local farmers and food- retailers because it’s beneficial on so many levels,” says Brittany Fry, assistant co-ordinator. Huron-Perth Farm to Table is a network of community organizations with shared concerns about access to local, healthy food and the overall vitality of agricultural related activities in the two-county region. Current Farm to Table projects include the second edition of the Buy Local Buy Fresh Map, launched in August 2009 and the Huron GoodFood Box which provides HuronCounty residents with access to local fruits and vegetables on a monthly basis. The Huron-Perth Farm to Table Opportunities Project has the potential to create new marketing structures, teach new skills and develop new products. Opportunities will emerge for farmers, chefs, and consumers to work together to rebuild the regional food system. For more information about the Opportunities Project or to provide feedback and suggestions on project activities, contact Brady at 1-888- 537-3163 or jbrady@hay.net PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009. Working out the kinks It wasn’t quite time for Blyth Public School’s Christmas concert, but it was time for the rehearsal, which was held on Tuesday at Memorial Hall. Blyth Public School will be presenting Slapshot Santa, but before the performance got started, there was a quick rendition of Jingle Bells by the kindergarten class. (Shawn Loughlin photo) Farm to Tableannounces project OPEN THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 & 17 UNTIL 8 PM 25% OFF Giftware & Home Décor including Christmas Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9682 www.solacespa.ca Massage Reiki Reflexology Aesthetics Sunless Tanning Gift with gift certificate purchase over $60. Open Thursdays Dec. 10 & 17 until 8 pm Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-6851 OLDFIELD’S & Navigate your way through Christmas with great electronic gifts like a satellite radio, cell phone, computer, StarChoice and Bell ExpressVu and much more from G r e a t G i f t I d e a s b e g i n a t O l d f i e l d ’s 25% OFF Spa Products & gift with gift cert. purchase over $60. 519-523-4355 Corner of Queen St. and Westmoreland St., Blyth David & Tamara Riach Classes Available Book Early Thank you for your support! DDDD AAAAVVVVAAAA RRRR AAAA SSSS TTTT UUUU DDDD IIII OOOO Pottery and Stained Glass 406 Mill Street ~ corner of Dinsley & Mill Blyth ~ 519-523-4793 Gel nails now available $35 + Escape Package $99 Manicure Pedicure Facial Spa Effects Package $125 Spa Manicure Spa Pedicure Spa Facial Hot Stone Massage $49 Holidays are for PamperingHolidays are for Pampering Give a SPA Gift Certificate WHAT ARE ASTHMA TRIGGERS? Asthma triggers are allergens and irritants that can create breathing problems when people with asthma are exposed to them. Common triggers include: • Pollens including tree pollen, grass pollen and ragweed • Cigarette smoke • Dust and dust mites • Pets and other animals • Food allergies • Weather and air pollution • Cold air and high humidity