The Rural Voice, 2005-09, Page 62News in Agriculture
Ecological Farmers move headquarters
As of August I. the Ecological
Farmers Association of Ontario
(EFAO) has a new office and new
staff.
The office has moved from the
Maitland Valley Conservation
Authority building in Wroxeter to the
Ignatius Centre just north of Guelph.
The new membership services co-
ordinator. Karen Maitland. also
started to work for EFAO on Aug. 1.
St. Marys -area farmer and
president of EFAO. Ann Slater said.
"Our board is very excited about
these changes and the potential to
better support our members and
contribute to the growth of ecological
and organic farming in Ontario. We
hope the more central office and full
time staff will enable us to better
promote the practice of ecological
farming in Ontario to enhance the
health of our soil. water, air. crops,
livestock and the people of Ontario."
Maitland is quite familiar with
organic farming in Ontario. having
worked as a research assistant with
Dr. Ann Clark at the University of
Guelph for many years. During that
time she collected soil samples from
and surveyed numerous organic
farms across the province.
In addition, EFAO has hired Pat
File to work part-time on partnership
development to strengthen bonds
with other organizations working in
organic/ecological agriculture and
with funders. File is a very active
volunteer with EFAO in the Simcoe
County area.
The Ecological Farmers
Association of Ontario recently
received a five-year $246.900 grant
from the Ontario Trillium
Foundation. This funding security
provided the opportunity for EFAO
to support a membership services co-
ordinator and to move the office to a
more central location.
The new office of EFAO is located
at 5420 Hwy. 6 N. RR5. Guelph and
the new phone number is (519) 822-
8606.0
OFA showcase Envirofarm at Plowing Match
The Ontario Federation of
Agriculture (OFA) will be
showcasing farm management and
production practices that protect and
enhance the environment in its
building at the 2005 International
Plowing Match and Rural Exposition
in Listowel from September 20 to 24.
OFA's EnviroFarm is a miniature
farm setting with everything from
farm buildings to animals and fields
with crops growing in them. Visitors
will have a guide book that explains
each area of the farm, and each
management practice that is being
displayed.
The concept was so well received
at the 2004 show that it was decided
to offer the display again. with some
added features. This year's display
will have some interactive
components that will test the
knowledge of young and old alike.
The miniature farm will showcase
the farmstead, nutrient management,
soil erosion control. water well
protection. farm woodlot. field crop
production, stream protection. and
farm recycling initiatives.
The building will also provide a
location for visitors to meet and talk
with OFA's leaders •and staff about
current agricultural issues and
initiatives being undertaken by OFA.
Ontario's largest general farm
organization.
The building will also host the
Farmers Feed Cities campaign being
carried out by farmers across
Ontario. encouraging the Provincial
government to support the recently
developed Risk Management
Program.0
Perth IPM committee still needs volunteers
When over 125,000 people attend
this year's 2005 IPM, at least 1,200
volunteers will assist to make their
visit enjoyable.
The 2005 International Plowing
Match and Rural Expo will be held in
Listowel at David Carson Farms and
Auctions.
The Listowel Agricultural Society
along with additional Agricultural
Societies from District 7 and 8 will
be assisting to prepare lunches to
feed workers and plowmen at the
2005 IPM. Approximately 600
lunches will be prepared daily.
The 2005 IPM Lunch Committee is
looking for volunteers to drive utility
58 THE RURAL VO;!;E
vehicles to deliver lunches during the
International Plowing Match. This
volunteer work will be starting on
September 20 and finishing on
September 24.
Four people per day are needed
from approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lunches will be delivered to various
locations within and around the
tented city, parking areas, and to the
fields where the plowing will be
taking place.
Eligible volunteers should be over
16 years of age, and must hold a
valid and permanent G driver's
licence.
Those interested in providing this
volunteer service can contact
Elizabeth Johnston at 519-291-
2888.0 19-291-
2888.0
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