Nova Scotia – Investing in organic farming research is essential for advancing sustainable practices, addressing the sector’s unique challenges, and supporting the continued growth and competitiveness of Canadian organic products.
Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants, on behalf of Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced up to $6,828,349 over 5 years to the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC) through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
This funding will allow the OFC to partner on research into the environmental benefits of sustainable farming practices and address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, soil health and water quality. The OFC will develop solutions to production challenges such as organic crop adaptability and pest management. These efforts will improve the performance of organic production systems, support economic growth and development, and improve sustainability in the sector.
Meanwhile, Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), visited Albion Falls and the Tourism Hamilton Visitor Experience Centre. While at the Tourism Hamilton Visitor Experience Centre, Minister Tassi announced an investment of over $4.2 million for 30 organizations across southern Ontario that are diversifying their tourism offerings, creating culturally-rich experiences, and contributing to attracting new visitors to the region. Six of the 30 projects announced today will support Indigenous tourism across the region. Minister Tassi was joined by Lisa Hepfner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and Member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain; and Chad Collins, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East−Stoney Creek.
With a $100,000 investment, the City of Hamilton is creating a Destination Waterfall Master Plan to improve the visitor experience and enhance safety and accessibility at waterfall sites. This will increase the number of visitors and tourists to the area, enriching Hamilton’s appeal as a year-round destination and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the over 100 waterfalls for years to come.