Ontario invests $836K to strengthen agricultural societies

The Ontario government is investing up to $836,250 over three years to increase the capacity of rural volunteers and organizations across the province.

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This funding will help the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies partner with the Rural Ontario Institute to provide educational supports focused on leadership, governance, and community engagement to more than 200 agricultural societies across the province, the Ontario government said in a release. It will also aid the development of other resources that will help agricultural societies hold fairs and events promoting agriculture and the agri-food industry.

“Ontario’s agricultural societies play an important role in leading amazing, annual rural community activities. This educational initiative will enhance the leadership, governance skills and best management practices in important rural organizations, and by extension our agriculture and food industry across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, in the release.

“This support is an investment in the future of agricultural societies across Ontario by developing strong leaders and ensuring the vitality of the agri-food sector and rural communities,” said Vince Brennan, executive director, Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies, in the same release.

Agricultural societies are run mainly by volunteers and play a critical role in educating people about the importance of agriculture and celebrating a rural way of life. The Ontario government said supporting this important sector will ensure the long traditions and economic contributions of agricultural societies continue to thrive and attract new talent. By building leadership capacity and involvement within the agriculture and food industry, this investment will further benefit rural communities while maintaining an important tradition at fairs where the ‘best of the best’ in community, the homecraft division, and agricultural competitions continue to be celebrated, it said.