The Rural Voice, 1990-10, Page 29Trish agrees. "Talk to people.
Ask a lot of questions. It's surprising
how much information even
competitors will share."
Grants for small businesses come
in handy but, Trish says, "It's a myth
that anyone can start into something
like this without any money. You
don't get anywhere unless they see
you put your own money into it. It's
also a great incentive to work harder
because you've had to put in cash up
front."
The Neilsons were able to finance
their venture through a number of
sources: an Agri -North grant helped
them conduct their market study, and
income from their feeder cattle
business as well as from Colin's
seasonal work cutting pulpwood
provided much-needed capital for
their subsequent needs.
"The farm business has definitely
helped finance the jambrosia
business," says Trish. "But this year,
it should be able to go on its own.
This is the first year we're going to
see how everything integrates."
Jambrosia production will be
moved from the Neilsons' kitchen to a
separate building currently under
construction. There will also be room
for an office, storage of jars, boxes
and freezerloads of berries, and a
display area will serve as another
outlet for drop-in sales. In time, Colin
and Trish say they might even provide
bus tours to the facility.
"But," they say in unison, "that's
down the road." "For now," Colin
continues, "our goal is to have a
family business where we can both be
working."
"So we'll maintain the farm
business and the jambrosia business,"
Trish explains, "and I have a feeling
Colin wants to branch out with more
products, fine foods in general. I
don't know what they are yet."
"Yes," Colin replies. He doesn't
elaborate on what his ideas might be
but, he admits, "The food business is
really interesting."
Judging by the results of their
collaboration on creating a unique
product with great taste and appeal,
it's clear that this enterprising farm
couple has cooked up a winner. The
Rainy River Preserves Co. may be at
the start of a long and fruitful career.0
FARMING AND THE GST
Huron Hall
Centralia College of Agricultural Technology
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1990
1 - 4 p.m.
This afternoon seminar relates the basic concepts of
the General Sales Tax to agricultural production. The
session includes a definition of terms and the basic rules
of the GST as each relates to farming. Taught by a
chartered accountant, the course stresses the changes
farmers will make in compiling their day to day farm
accounts to satisfy the requirements of the GST.
Instructor: John McNeilly, C.A.
Cost: $10.00/person
For more information and to register for a course, contact:
Ministry of
Agriculture
and Food
ONTARIO
CENTRALIA
COLLEGE
Huron Park, Ontario NOM 1YO
(519) 228-6691
13 DAY BEAUTIFUL
BERMUDA
Departs: February 28th, 1991
PRICE $2999 p.p. (twin)
Includes: All attractions and tours, return
airfare, transfers, deluxe accommodation,
breakfast and dinner daily, fully escorted too.
Visit a little bit of heaven on earth!
17 DAY HAWAII
FOUR ISLAND TOUR
Departs: February 3, 1991
PRICE $3699 p.p. (twin)
OAHU, MAUI, KAUI,
AND THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII
An Island Paradise
Includes all airfare, first class accommodation,
guided tours and admissions, fully escorted.
MOUNT FOREST
1-800-265-2131
519-323-1545
OWEN SOUND
519-371.3281
30 DAY SOUTH
PACIFIC TOUR
Departs: March 4, 1991
PRICE $6499 p.p. (twin)
FIJI, AUSTRALIA, HAWAII
AND NEW ZEALAND
Features: One night on a New Zealand Farm!
Includes: All first class accommodation, most
meals, all side tours and admissions and
airfare with Air New Zealand.
A trip of a lifetime!
MITCHELL
519-348-8492
LISTOWEL
519-291-4100
OCTOBER 1990 25