August 2024

Registration Open: North Durham Building Business Forum 

Business owners in North Durham shouldn’t miss the opportunity to be a part of the 2024 North Durham Building Business Forum. 

Registration is now open! The forum brings together small- and medium-sized business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners to build strategic connections as well as learn about available business supports in Durham Region.

In his keynote session, Dr. Peter Lewis, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Ontario Tech University, will talk about the opportunities and risks AI poses for small and medium sized businesses. And Allison Hector-Alexander, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Region of Durham, will lead a panel discussion on leading with inclusion in the workplace.

The forum takes place October 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Health & Resource Central Hall. A plated dinner will be served. There is a $10 fee to attend with proceeds being donated to North House which provides housing supports for those who are at risk or in crisis within the communities of North Durham. 

From Farm to Plate: Journey of the Durham Region Apple 

Apple season is upon us and apple picking adventures abound, including visits to cideries in North Durham and finding the best apple fritters in Durham Region.  

No matter how you enjoy them, apples are a huge part of the region’s thriving agricultural sector. In fact, Durham is one of the largest apple producing regions in the province — 13 per cent of Ontario’s apples come from Durham Region.  Not to mention, we’re also home to the Apple Capital of Canada in Newcastle while our northern townships are known for producing their own flavourful apples and apple products. 



But getting those apples from farm to plate is an extensive process: from harvesting, to sorting and packing and then distributing to retail outlets and bakeries. Watch how Durham Region farms and businesses work together to get the apple from the farm to your plate.  

Champion Farming as an Agricultural Ambassador 

Durham Farm Connections is looking for Agricultural Ambassadors to help spread the word about food and farming in Durham Region. 

Agricultural Ambassadors will attend events alongside the All About Farming trailer. This travelling exhibit has displays and integrative activities that teach people about farming and the sources of our food, fibre and other products. 

Those who sign up as an Agricultural Ambassador will receive a per diem for their time. It's also a great way for high school students to earn volunteer hours. 

According to Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) Food and Beverage Report 2024, changing consumer behaviour and high population growth are presenting both challenges and opportunities to food and beverage manufacturers this year. 

Over the past two years, high inflation and high interest rates had consumers purchasing more sale items and less expensive brands, shopping at low-cost retailers and even cutting back on the amount of food purchased. The report expects those shopping habits to continue through 2024. 

Where the FCC Food and Beverage report sees opportunities is with Canada’s growing and increasingly diverse population, offering opportunities to food manufacturers to serve these growing niche markets.

Healthiness, convenience, and sustainability are also growing considerations for consumers when purchasing food. The report says innovating to meet these consumer demands can help boost sales in 2024. 

Funding Opportunities

Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund

Applications are being accepted for the Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF). It provides cost-share funding to support farmers in implementing best management practices to tackle climate change.

The new intake opened August 1 and will close when available funding has been allocated. In Ontario, the OFCAF is delivered to farmers by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. 

Grow your agri-food business with the Grow Ontario Market Initiative.

The program provides funding to primary producers, processors and industry organizations to find and develop domestic or export market opportunities.

The funding can be used to grow a business through marketing analysis and planning, new product development and marketing activities. 

If you want to grow your greenhouse’s bottom line, take advantage of agriculture incentives from the Save on Energy™ Retrofit program. Agricultural incentives are available for: 



• LED grow lights 

• Dual and natural exhaust vents  

• High-efficiency ventilation exhaust fans 

• Recirculation ventilation fans 

• Photocells and timers for lighting controls 

• Solar photovoltaic panels in combination with battery storage in specific regions of Southwestern Ontario 

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is a not-for-profit farm organization that not only leads research and educational initiatives but is also a leader in delivering incentive programs to the Ontario farm community. 

OSCIA has several cost-share programs currently open for applications.  The aim is to support Ontario farmers in implementing best management and sustainability practices on their farms. Those programs include environmental stewardship, economic development and protection and assurance initiatives to support the health and well-being of livestock, crops and food security. 

Upcoming Events

How to Pitch to Buyers

Sign up for part two of a free webinar on ‘How to Pitch to Buyers,’ delivered by the Ontario government on August 20.

In this session, attendees will learn how to prepare for a buyer meeting and the steps to take after. Part one is also available to view online. Register now for the webinar. 

Grocery Innovations Canada Tradeshow

The Grocery Innovations Canada tradeshow is set to return to the Toronto Congress Centre on October 29 and 30. 

Connect and grow your business and sales with the direct route to grocery shelves across the province and the country! 

Learn more about how to exhibit at Grocery Innovations Canada. 

News and Headlines

Mental Health Supports Expanded for Farm Workers

Ottawa and Queen’s Park are expanding mental health supports for farm workers. 

Up to $538,000 will be invested to expand the Farmer Wellness Initiative to farm workers in Ontario. $178,000 of that investment will go towards the delivery of services in Spanish. Read the Government of Ontario news release. 

Contact Us

Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857

InvestDurham.ca 



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