SARNIA, ON: To grow and strengthen local agricultural producers and agri-businesses, a new program has been launched by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. The Lambton Agriculture Engagement and Support Program includes one-on-one consultations, seminars and workshops, and virtual farm tours. Key areas of economic development for the sector will focus on support for business start-ups or succession in the community, develop emerging and innovative partners, address barriers to business growth, attract investment, better position rural communities to attract, educate and retain skilled workers, and continue to support the agriculture sector in Lambton County.
Agriculture is one of the key economic drivers in Lambton County, which is why the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, with the Lambton Federation of Agriculture, are providing these services free of charge to aid the sector in not only growing their products but also growing their business. Business owners and producers can benefit by taking part in personalized one-on-one consultation and by attending a workshop or seminar.
One-on-one consultations will be offered through October and November with a specialized business consultant to assist agriculture and agri-food businesses with economic growth and expansion. “Educational seminars and workshops will be another key deliverable that will give members of the sector concrete tools to address concerns in the areas covered by the topics chosen,” says Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO, Stephen Thompson. “Topics being considered include access to funding, technical and social media training, succession planning, business diversification, and how young farmers can enter the sector.”
“The project will also include videos featuring local agricultural business owners and farmers from Lambton County sharing their experiences,” added Thompson. “Topics such as succession planning, innovation in the agriculture sector, expansion and value-add opportunities, career pathways, and others are to encourage and support economic development, and workforce expansion in this sector.”
“With 2,091 individual farms representing close to 80% of the land area in Lambton County, this program will proactively engage agricultural and food businesses,” said Gary Martin, President of the Lambton Federation of Agriculture. “We are happy to be working with the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership on this project to help support the growth and sustainability of the agricultural and food sectors in Lambton Country,” Martin added.
Local farmers and agricultural businesses are encouraged to participate in a one-on-one consultation with an industry specialist to address areas of concern that may be affecting their business. They will receive follow-up support and direction on how to remove the barriers through programs and direction they may not be aware of. For information, questions or to sign up for consultations visit: sarnialambton.on.ca/RED.
Program Contact:
Shauna Carr, Economic Development Officer
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
519-332-1820
shauna@sarnialambton.on.ca
Media Contact:
Stephen Thompson, CEO
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
519-332-1820
stephen@sarnialambton.on.ca
The views expressed in the publication are the views of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and do not necessarily reflect those of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs. The project is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
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