Municipal Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Forum

Cultivating Common Ground

October 22 – 23 | Georgian Bay Hotel, Collingwood

Join us for the Municipal Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Forum, a dynamic gathering of municipal leaders, planners, economic developers, farmers, agri-business professionals, and community stakeholders. This year’s theme, “Cultivating Common Ground,” emphasizes the collaboration, innovation, and shared solutions that make Simcoe County’s agricultural sector one of the province’s agricultural powerhouses.

Day 1 – Agribusiness Tour

The Farm Tour is now SOLD OUT!

Stopping at multiple locations throughout Simcoe County, starting at Georgian Bay Hotel from 8:00am – 5:30pm (approximately).

Farm Tour Schedule:

8:00am depart Georgian Bay Hotel

9:00am Alliston Agronomy Centre

10:45am Bradford Greenhouses

12:00pm Lunch & tour of Gwillimdale Farms

2:45pm Barrie Hill Farms

4:30pm Duntroon Cyder House and Farm

*Protective footwear is required for a portion of the tour.  Please ensure you bring steel toe caps or steel toe shoes/boots with you to change into to ensure your safety and compliance with Health and Safety regulations.

Day 2 – Conference

This year’s conference will take place at the Georgian Bay Hotel in Collingwood, from 8:30am – 4:00pm.

Keynote Speaker Keith Currie is an eighth-generation farmer from Collingwood. Currie graduated with a diploma in Agriculture Production Management from the University of Guelph, Ridgetown College in 1982. Currie has served in a variety of leadership roles including his current roles as President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and a Board of Director with the World Farmers Organization,

Sessions will be centered around key topic areas that are shaping the future of agriculture in rural communities throughout Ontario.  These topics include:

• • Workforce and Housing
    This session will explore strategies that support workforce, housing opportunities, and innovations.

• •  Agritourism and Permitted Uses
    How to encourage agritourism and value-added agriculture in your municipality.

• • Innovative Agriculture and Current Events
    Highlighting innovative agricultural businesses, emerging trends, and the impact of current events on the sector.

• • How Can You Support Agriculture and Related Business?
    Practical insights and collaborative approaches for municipalities and stakeholders to champion agricultural economic development.

AGENDA