Weston Foundation awards $1 Million to Northern Collaborators on Berry Production Research...

October 4, 2023

spoiler alert...rain is a collaborator!

In a remarkable recognition of innovation and collaborative prowess, the Weston Foundation's Homegrown Innovation Challenge has provided a game-changing grant of $1,000,000 to 11 teams who are "future-proofing food production in Canada". At the forefront of this groundbreaking endeavor is the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre's RAIN (Rural Agri-Innovation Network) division, and partners Collège Boréal, AgriTech North, and Truly Northern.


"RAIN is thrilled to join forces with our esteemed partners in pioneering an innovative, sustainable system for year round berry production in Canada," says David Thompson, Director of RAIN. " Our role centres on accelerating the development and commercialization of the these groundbreaking technologies, setting a new benchmark for environmentally responsible and economically viable agriculture."


Read more about the project: Pioneering greenhouse technologies to feed communities. 


Read the full release from the Weston Foundation here.

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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. 

Investing in Progress #IWD2024

March 8, 2024
Happy International Women's Day! 💜

In the news: Harvest Algoma relaunches with a new look

January 18, 2024
The Sault Ste. Marie food security agency Harvest Algoma is starting the new year with an image makeover – but agency officials say their mission has not changed.
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