In the news: Harvest Algoma receives good news

September 20, 2023

Algoma Steel joins with the city to rescue Harvest Algoma

Harvest Algoma is back from the brink of closure. The United Way's community food hub had been looking for another organization to take over operations for months, after growing "too large."


By Cory Nordstrom, CTV News Northern Ontario

Sept. 19, 2023 6:47 p.m. EDT

Harvest Algoma is back from the brink of closure.


The United Way's community food hub had been looking for another organization to take over operations for months, after growing "too large."


Now, the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, is set to take over.


Lori Huston, United Way's executive director, said this is a good thing for the Sault.


"With RAIN and the Innovation Centre being able to take this over it will be a huge asset to our community because they can build and expand Harvest to the capacity that we couldn't, and really built that social enterprise piece,” Huston.


RAIN director David Thompson said they want to have a wider impact on education and skills development in the community.

“And also to support the agri-foods sector, in terms of assisting agri-food entrepreneurs and producers to do product development," Thompson.


A major reason RAIN is in a position to take over is funding from the municipality and Algoma Steel, the area's largest private employer.


The City of Sault Ste. Marie recently approved $60,000 per year for the next three years towards RAIN operating Harvest Algoma. And Algoma Steel is giving $40,000 per year in the same time frame.


"With that, we're able to solidify its (Harvest Algoma) operations for the next three years," Thompson said.


Mayor Matthew Shoemaker said the decision from council was made easier because of the contributions from Algoma Steel.


"They were willing to put private dollars into it, and so the city really followed the lead of community organizations, and community enterprises,” Shoemaker said.


“This is something our community is committed to and so this is something we as council are committed to."


"In the past, the United Way had been ineligible to apply for some government funds at Harvest Algoma because of its status as a funder," Huston said.


That won't be the case going forward, said Thompson.


"We're a standalone, not-for-profit organization, and we've been very successful in the past with seeking additional funds from different levels of government, but also privately for the initiatives that we lead and support," he said.


Thompson said RAIN is in talks with other organizations for further funding commitments, and more announcements could be coming next week.


He adds that while the transaction isn't final just yet, he expects all necessary funding will be in place to take over Harvest Algoma by Oct. 3. 


_


View the original article on CTV News here.

Header image from video with credit to Cory Nordstrom, 2023.

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Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program Launches

October 11, 2024
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) has launched the Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program to empower agri-food entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario to develop new food products. By offering workshops, training sessions, networking events, and a mentorship program, NOVA aims to equip Northern entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge needed for long-term business growth and sustainability. Supported by $42,080 in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, NOVA will address the critical need for professional development in the agri-food sector. It focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, improving safety and risk management practices, and providing strategies to expand market presence at home and abroad. “The agri-food promise and potential of Northern Ontario is immense, and our government will continue to work with Northern partners like the SSMIC to help seize it,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “NOVA will help unlock more of the huge untapped entrepreneurial energy and ambition of Northern agri-food entrepreneurs to build strong local businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy.” Program goals include strengthened business capabilities, job creation, and increased economic activity, leading to a more vibrant and sustainable agri-food sector in Northern Ontario. By fostering public engagement with agriculture and local food, NOVA will also contribute to rural development and enhanced community well-being. "Through the NOVA Program, we are excited to provide agri-food entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive," said Peter Bruijns, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. "This initiative not only supports individual businesses but also strengthens our entire region's agricultural ecosystem." For more information visit: https://rainalgoma.ca/programs/the-northern-ontario-value-added-agriculture-nova-training-program/ SSMIC would also like to thank FedNor the Government of Canada, and the Sault Ste Marie Community Development Corporation for their support in this exciting program. 

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