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 OfficerSarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership519-332-1820shauna@sarnialambton.on.caMedia Contact:Stephen Thompson, CEOSarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership519-332-1820stephen@sarnialambton.on.caThe�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.
