Food Bulletin - December 2011
Welcome to the December edition of the Food Bulletin, where we're
introducing you to our new minister, Ted McMeekin, and our incoming
Deputy Minister, Fareed Amin. We've included details about the upcoming
Canadian Food Summit 2012, which will feature national and international
experts tackling some of the biggest food challenges and opportunities
of our time. Some of you may also be interested in a new $80-million
federal incentive to incorporate digital technology into small and
medium-sized companies. You'll also learn how to help lessen your
environmental footprint and improve your company's competitiveness
through green shipping practices. Finally, all of us here at the
Business Development Branch would like to wish you a happy and healthy
holiday season and we look forward to helping you grow and improve
your business through 2012.
Industry News
New Minister and Deputy Minister for OMAFRA ...
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has
had a new minister as of October, 2011. Ted McMeekin has been a
member of Provincial Parliament since 2000 and was formerly Minister
of Consumer Services, Minister of Government Services and Parliamentary
Assistant to the Minister of Education and to the Minister of Training,
Colleges and Universities. The MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale,
Minister McMeekin has a long and distinguished record of public
service, both inside and outside government. Minister McMeekin holds
a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University where he
served as Assistant Practicum Professor.
With the retirement of Deputy Minister John Burke in early January,
Fareed Amin will become the new Deputy Minister for the Ministry
of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs starting on December 12,
2011. Deputy Minister Amin has previously been deputy minister in
portfolios such as municipal affairs, consumer services, economic
development and trade, intergovernmental affairs and others. He
also served at Toronto city hall as deputy city manager from 2005
to 2007. He also brings to the post a degree in applied geography
and planning from the University of Guyana, and a Master of Public
Administration from Queen's University.
Foodland Ontario can help you identify local food
Local food is no longer a trend; it is a shift in the tendency
to purchase local food, and it is gaining strength. Foodland Ontario
has been showcasing the good things that grow in Ontario since 1977
and in 2007 the program expanded from marketing fresh Ontario produce
to include meat, dairy, eggs, honey, maple syrup and other specialty
food products. The Foodland logo enjoys a 94 per cent consumer recognition
rate by Ontario's principal grocery shoppers. Members of the food
processing industry are encouraged to apply to use the Foodland
Ontario logo to promote their Ontario food products. The application
process is easy and free. Just follow these two simple steps:
- Make sure you or your vendors meet the Ontario
food definitions, then
- Contact the Foodland Ontario Client Services Officer for a
logo application form by phone at 1-888-466-2372, ext. 63947 or
by email at sandra.jones@ontario.ca.
If shoppers see the Foodland logo on your product, they will know
they are buying local food.
Funding & Related Opportunities
New program supports digital technology initiatives
If you're a small to medium-sized company thinking about introducing
digital technologies to improve productivity, you may want to look
into the federal government's $80-million Digital Technology Adoption
Pilot Program (DTAPP). Under the new program, announced in November,
eligible incorporated companies with less than 500 employees may
receive advisory services to help with the assessment, digital technology
implementation and evaluation processes, plus up to $99,999 of non-repayable
funding. For example, companies might introduce digital technology
into production lines, workflow processes, supply chains or customer
management systems.The three-year program runs from October 2011
to March 31, 2014 and is being delivered through the National Research
Council of Canada's (NRC) Industrial Research Assistance Program
utilizing their extensive network of technical advisors. Their advisors
will be helping eligible companies navigate all aspects of the digital
adoption process, from concept to product, providing technical and
business advice, referrals and other innovation services as needed.
Eligible costs include labour, contractors, travel, feasibility
and other studies, plus training. Non-eligible costs include computer
hardware and off-the-shelf software. To contact DTAPP, call toll-free
at 1-855-453-3940.
A $50 million funding program recently announced by Agriculture
and Agri-Food Canada
A $50-million federal program has just been launched to help accelerate
the pace of innovation and support the commercialization of new
products, technologies and services in the agricultural and agri-food
sectors. The Agricultural Innovation Program (AIP), announced November
10, 2011 by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, is promoting economic
growth, productivity and the sectors' competitiveness. The fund
is focused on two streams:
- The Knowledge Creation and Transfer stream, which has two components,
is intended to speed up the transfer of knowledge, technologies
and science-based research to the sector and to foster new market
opportunities. Both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations
can apply for up to $4 million per project of non-repayable funding.
- The Commercialization stream supports the successful commercialization
of agriculture, agri-food and agri-based innovations. Interest-free,
repayable funding of up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs
to a maximum of $10 million per project is available. For-profit
companies, co-operatives and Aboriginal groups can apply.
Potential applicants are encouraged to review the application
process, the program
checklist and to fill out their applications as soon as possible,
since all eligible projects must be completed by March 31, 2013.
Further details on the Agricultural
Innovation Program are available online.
Work-sharing agreement helps avoid layoffs through EI benefits
Companies experiencing a slowdown in business may still be able
to retain employees and avoid lay-offs through the federal government's
work sharing
program. It provides income support to employees eligible for
Employment Insurance (EI) benefits who are working a temporarily
reduced work week while their employer recovers. The work-sharing
agreement must cover at least six consecutive weeks, up to a maximum
of 26 consecutive weeks. (Employers may request an extension of
12 additional weeks, for a total benefit of 38 weeks.) Under the
program, employees who are temporarily working a reduced work week
- between two and four-and-a-half days per week - will receive EI
benefits for the remainder of the week. All work-sharing agreements
must be agreed upon by both employee and employer and be approved
by Service Canada.
Update on the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Career Focus Program
Application deadline is December 30, 2011 for 2012-13 proposals.
Last year this popular program was fully subscribed. Fortunately
even companies on the waiting list were funded so there is still
time to apply. Applications received after December 30 will not
be considered.
As an eligible employer, you could receive up to $20,000 in matching
funds to create internship opportunities for recent graduates from
agriculture and food related programs. It helps you to attract new
talent and helps provide new graduates with a valuable job that
will help pave the way to a career in the ever-changing agriculture
and agri-food industry.
Eligible employers must provide the graduate(s) with meaningful
career-related work experiences, mentoring and coaching for a minimum
of 4 months to a maximum of 12 months.
The intern you hire must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant,
15 to 30 years old, unemployed or under employed and have graduated
from a post secondary institution within the last three years, specializing
in biology, agriculture, veterinary sciences or applied technology
(e.g. food science).
Go to the Career
Focus website for more information; call 1-866-452-5558 or email
careerfocus@agr.gc.ca.
Investing in Business Innovation Program
FedDev's, Investing
in Business Innovation, supports Southern Ontario angel investors
with a $2 million contribution.
Angel investors typically provide risk capital for businesses at
their start-up and early growth stages, filling the gap between
seed financing and venture capital. Since the late 1980s, angels
have been forming groups and networks that have the benefit of being
able to attract and mobilize greater funds than individual investors,
as well as sharing the labour and risk associated with financing
early stage companies.
The National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) received a contribution
of $968,800 to develop online collaborative tools, including an
angel directory, an investment opportunity database and other online
resources.
The National Angel Organization - Ontario was also awarded $847,763
to develop centralized online resources and services and to hold
events. Other groups that received funding were the Golden Triangle
Angelnet, the Georgian Angel Network, PARTEQ Innovations and York
Angel Investors. Check out Fed Dev's backgrounder
for more information.
Tax credits for SR&ED information sessions
The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED)
Tax Incentive Program is the largest single source of federal government
support for industrial research and development and businesses of
all sizes and in all sectors are encouraged to take advantage of
it. The program gives claimants cash refunds and/or tax credits
for their expenditures on eligible research and development work
done in Canada.
If you'd like to learn more about this opportunity you can attend
one of the program's free public information sessions scheduled
in the following Ontario locations: Windsor,
Toronto
Centre, Toronto
East and Ottawa.
For more information on who can qualify for the program, what kinds
of projects are eligible and other details check out the SR&ED
Tax Incentive Program page on Revenue Canada's website.
Events
Food processor events to assess, tackle industry challenges
The Alliance of Ontario Food Processors (AOFP), the non-profit
organization of food and beverage processing companies, is taking
to the road. It's hosting two events in January designed to provide
processors with the latest information, education, resources and
business tools to excel in a changing world. The day-long events
are targeting everyone from CEOs and human resources, to management
and operations and will provide an opportunity to meet fellow industry
members. The events are arranged in a modular fashion, which means
people can come for the full day or attend specific segments. For
more information check the AOFP
website or contact Julie Stalford at 519-650-3741 or email jstalford@aofp.ca.
When: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012 (8:30 a.m. - 3:30)
Where: Brockville
When: Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 (8:30 a.m. - 3:30)
Where: Leamington
Learn about expanding Kosher food market
The kosher food sector has experienced 15 per cent growth annually
for the past 10 years and is now valued at over $200 billion in
North America. Food products that are kosher certified are sought
by a broad range of consumers, from vegetarians and vegans to Jews
and Muslims, as well as people simply looking for alternative food
choices. An education session focused on the emerging kosher market
and its potential opportunities is being organized by The
Guelph Food Technology Centre (GFTC), in conjunction with Cor,
the kosher certification mark used by the Kashruth Council of Canada,
the largest kosher certification agency in Canada. Event speaker
is Richard Rabkin, Director of Marketing & Business Development
with the Kashruth Council of Canada. Registration
is required. For more information, contact Denise Horseman at 519-821-1246
ext. 5068 or email dhorseman@gftc.ca.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, beginning at 8 a.m.
Where: Pearson Convention Centre, Brampton
Canadian Food Summit 2012 set for February
The Conference Board of Canada's Centre for Food in Canada is hosting
a major international summit on the future of food. The Canadian
Food Summit 2012 will feature national and international experts
who'll discuss the latest research and determine how to address
Canada's major food challenges and opportunities. Topics include
safe and healthy food, food security, and food sustainability. The
summit is expected to attract key players from business and government,
as well as a broad range of producers, processors, retailers, regulators,
associations, unions, consumers, advocates and independent experts.
The summit will be hosted by Galen Weston, Executive Chairman of
Loblaw Companies, and Anne Golden, President and CEO of The Conference
Board of Canada. The Conference
Board of Canada website includes a complete list of speakers,
event rates, and a registration page.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 7 and Wednesday Feb. 8, 2012
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
OFVC Celebrating 10 years
The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable
Convention (OFVC) is celebrating 10 years! To mark the occasion,
the convention is moving to a new home, The Scotiabank Convention
Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This new, state-of-the-art facility
is the perfect setting to deliver a great line-up of horticultural
experts and topical sessions as well as an expanded tradeshow with
double the space! Registration
is now open.
When: February 22 - 23, 2012
Where: Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) Celebrates
their 50th National Conference
CIFST's 2012
conference is all about where "Innovation Meets Commercialization".
Plenary sessions, workshops and technical sessions will explore
the journey from innovation to commercialization. What research
is happening in Canada and North America? What are the challenges
and opportunities, the market and consumer trends?
The 2012 conference will capture a national audience that includes
food manufacturers and marketers, retailers, product developers,
researchers, academia and government. Scheduled keynote speakers
include John Scott, President & CEO, Canadian Federation of
Independent Grocers, and Phillip Donne, President, Campbell Company
of Canada.
When: May 27 - 29, 2012
Where: Scotiabank Conference Centre, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Training & Resources
Green transportation tips for shippers
A series of Green
Transportation Checklists for Shippers has been put together
by Chain & Logistics Association Canada (SCL). The checklists
outline practices and technologies to improve a company's competitiveness
and lower its environmental footprint through greater efficiencies
when moving goods. The checklists help shippers improve system efficiencies,
lower fuel consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air
contaminants. SCL is an organization that provides supply chain
professionals with up-to-date information and resources on supply
chain management, best-in-class business practices, benchmarking,
research and market intelligence.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
Food Safety Advice Customized to Your Facility
Not sure where to start, need help with your GMPs or HACCP plans,
or looking to add traceability and food defence measures to existing
food safety plans? Food Safety Advisors are here to help with one-on-one
coaching sessions in Guelph, on the phone or by email. Call 1-877-424-1300
or email advantage@ontario.ca
to book a session.
Tools to help boost Environmental Compliance developed by OFIEC
and AOFP
The Ontario Food Industry Environmental Coalition (OFIEC), in partnership
with the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors (AOFP), has developed
several new resources to help boost your environmental compliance.
Environmental Benchmarking Tool
The Environmental Benchmarking Tool is an on-line resource to help
your business develop a plan to meet the latest regulatory requirements
for air, water, wastewater and waste. It's confidential, easy to
use and designed specifically for the Ontario food and beverage
processing industry. The Environmental Benchmarking Tool will also
help you:
- Manage your records and easily update your secure account
- Stay on the right track, doing what's right for your business
and the environment
Access the Environmental
Benchmarking Tool today and get started.
Toxics Reduction Primer
The Toxics Reduction Primer is a resource to help Ontario food and
beverage processors understand their requirements under Ontario's
Toxics Reduction Act. The 11-page guide offers information about
the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009 and its regulations, specifically
as it applies to Ontario's food industry.
The Toxics
Reduction Primer can be downloaded in either English or French.
OFIEC is a consortium of food industry associations that was formed
with the goal to represent Ontario's food and beverage and input
supply sector on environmental issues.
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC)
EMC is Canada's largest
manufacturing consortium. The not-for-profit organization organizes
in excess of 1,000 hands-on industry events, including training
and networking opportunities.
Food Processing HR Council
Sanitation training products designed for on-site delivery
A suite
of sanitation training products has been released by the Food
Processing Human Resources Council (FPHRC). The products are designed
for use by a plant's qualified trainer and are intended to improve
food safety and quality, reduce the incidence of contamination and
increase product shelf life. FPHRC is focused on human resources
information and training tools that support a safe, secure food
supply and a competitive food processing sector.
Guelph Food Technology Centre (GFTC)
The GFTC is an independent organization
specializing in food and beverage safety, training, quality and
technical solutions. The centre offers a wide range of industry-recognized
courses and training
programs throughout the year.
Partners in Project Green Sustainability Sessions
Partners in Project Green is a growing community of businesses
working together to green their bottom line by creating an internationally-recognized
'eco-business zone' around Toronto Pearson. And while Partners in
Project Green's focus is on companies around Toronto's Pearson airport,
their training sessions are also available to companies outside
of the GTA. If you would like to learn how businesses can reduce
energy and resource costs, uncover new business opportunities, and
address everyday operational challenges in a green and cost-effective
manner, check out their Upcoming
Events website.
